Summary
This DOHA security clearance decision involved a 44-year-old independent agent working for a defense contractor, whose eligibility was reviewed under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The Statement of Reasons detailed several financial issues, including a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filed in 2005 and discharged in 2006, a 2009 judgment for $23,387 owed to a vehicle lender, a $600 charged-off credit card account, a $6,500 charged-off loan, and a $30,340 collection account for a second mortgage. These issues raised disqualifying conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines ¶ 19(a) and ¶ 19(c).
However, the applicant demonstrated substantial efforts to address these concerns. All alleged debts were either resolved or were actively in the process of resolution. The applicant also exhibited responsible financial behavior, including maintaining communication with creditors during periods of difficulty and seeking financial counseling.
The judge determined that the applicant had successfully mitigated the security concerns, applying mitigating conditions under Adjudicative Guidelines ¶ 20(a), ¶ 20(b), ¶ 20(c), ¶ 20(d), and ¶ 20(e). Based on the applicant's commitment to financial stability and proactive steps to resolve past issues, the security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant resolved all alleged debts or is in the process of resolving them.
- The applicant demonstrated responsible financial behavior and maintained contact with creditors during financial difficulties.
- The applicant received financial counseling and has shown a commitment to financial stability.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- AG ¶ 20(e)appliedThe Individual Has a Reasonable Basis to Dispute the Legitimacy of the Past-due Debt
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 17, 2015
- Answer filedMar 9, 2015
- Hearing heldJul 8, 2015
- Decision dateAug 11, 2015
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Consideration of Circumstances Beyond the Applicant's Control in Financial Cases
- Importance of Financial Counseling in Demonstrating Responsibility