Summary
The applicant, a 58-year-old field engineer with a history of financial difficulties, sought a security clearance under Guideline F. Despite resolving some debts, he had significant unresolved debts, including a $14,145 collection account, which led to the denial of his application.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a State A tax lien in the amount of $3,069 (1.a). This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a charged-off account in the amount of $289 (1.b). This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a charged-off account in the amount of $280 (1.c). This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a collection account in the amount of $14,145 (1.d). This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a collection account in the amount of $287 (1.e). This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a medical collection account in the amount of $102 (1.f). This overdue debt is cited in the SOR for a charged-off account in the amount of $11,841 (1.g).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: Significant unresolved debt of $14,145 from a collection account; History of not meeting financial obligations raised security concerns.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Resolved tax lien debt with a $0 balance for tax year 2007.
- Paid off or is in the process of paying off several smaller debts.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions Largely Beyond ControlWhile some financial difficulties were due to circumstances beyond his control, significant unresolved debts remained.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsDespite some payments, significant debts were unresolved.
Key Rule Quoted
“Failure or inability to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual’s reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 12, 2014
- Answer filedDec 16, 2014
- Hearing heldMar 24, 2015
- Decision dateMay 28, 2015
Cite For
- Denial Based on Unresolved Financial Obligations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Financial Difficulties on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Whole-person Concept in Evaluating Security Clearance Cases