Summary
The applicant, a Department of Defense contractor, sought to maintain his security clearance under Guideline F due to financial considerations. He admitted to having multiple delinquent debts totaling approximately $25,928 but demonstrated significant efforts to resolve these debts over a three-year period. The judge found that the applicant's financial situation had improved and was now stable, leading to a decision to grant the security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: a $6,510 credit card judgment filed against Applicant in 2012 (1.a). a $4,377 account placed for collection by a bank (1.b). a $2,514 account placed for collection by a bank (1.c). a $2,710 account placed for collection (1.d). a $4,120 department store credit card account placed for collection (1.e). a $209 eyeglass store account placed for collection (1.f). a $567 jewelry store account placed for collection (1.g). a $4,025 account placed for collection by a bank (1.h). an $896 credit card account placed for collection (1.i).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(c), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant resolved all but one of his delinquent debts through payment plans and loans from family; He demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors over a period of three years; The applicant's financial situation improved, allowing him to meet current obligations.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant resolved all but one of his delinquent debts through payment plans and loans from family.
- He demonstrated a good-faith effort to repay overdue creditors over a period of three years.
- The applicant's financial situation improved, allowing him to meet current obligations.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened Long Ago or Infrequently
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Counseling or Problem Is Under Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedGood-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedDec 2, 2014
- Answer filedDec 22, 2014Requested decision on written record.
- Hearing held—Decision based on written record.
- Decision dateMar 4, 2016
Cite For
- Mitigating Conditions for Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts
- Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Evaluations