Summary
A 49-year-old engineer technician III, employed by a defense contractor, was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations) and Guideline E (Personal Conduct). The applicant had 12 delinquent debts totaling approximately $10,442, which included accounts for a musical instrument, an automobile repossession, computer equipment, and various medical and cellular phone services. One judgment was entered in 1992, with other debts accruing between 1999 and 2003.
The Statement of Reasons detailed specific allegations, such as a $581 charged-off account from May 1999, a $2,815 debt from a December 2000 automobile repossession, and a $2,343 charged-off computer account from January 2001. Additionally, several accounts, ranging from $20 to $2,376, were turned over for collection or resulted in judgments.
The denial was primarily based on the applicant's failure to demonstrate a good faith effort to resolve these debts, despite acknowledging his financial problems since February 2004. The judge found that while the personal conduct concerns were mitigated, the financial issues were not, leading to the ultimate denial of the security clearance. The applicant's financial difficulties were further attributed to sporadic employment and inconsistent income.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has 12 delinquent debts totaling approximately $10,442, indicating a history of not meeting financial obligations.
- He failed to demonstrate a good faith effort to resolve his debts despite being aware of them since February 2004.
- The applicant's financial difficulties were exacerbated by sporadic employment and a lack of consistent income.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A6.1.3.3appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant experienced unemployment, but he voluntarily left a steady job for another position.
- E2.A6.1.3.4rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem and There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under ControlThe applicant took minimal action towards resolving the majority of his delinquent debts.
- E2.A6.1.3.6rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant did not demonstrate a good faith effort to resolve his debts.
Key Rule Quoted
“"The adjudicative process is an examination of a sufficient period of a person's life to make an affirmative determination that the person is eligible for a security clearance."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMay 2, 2005
- Answer filedMay 26, 2005
- Hearing heldMay 15, 2006
- Decision dateAug 22, 2006
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Delinquencies
- Mitigation of Personal Conduct Concerns Despite Financial Issues
- Evaluation of Good Faith Efforts in Resolving Debts Under Guideline F