Summary
A 33-year-old administrative assistant for a defense contractor was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant faced allegations of falsifying her September 10, 2003, security clearance application (SF-86) by omitting unpaid judgments and delinquent debts. Additionally, she had accumulated 12 delinquent debts totaling over $7,000 between 1999 and August 2003, including two judgments for $449.85 and $361.88, and a medical debt in collection with SR, for which a payment arrangement was established.
The applicant successfully mitigated these concerns by demonstrating good-faith efforts to resolve her financial issues. She paid most of her accumulated debts and established repayment arrangements with remaining creditors. Two disputed debts were removed from her credit reports. Her financial difficulties were attributed to periods of unemployment and a lack of child support for her four-year-old son.
Crucially, the applicant voluntarily disclosed her financial issues during interviews with DSS agents. Her character references described her as conscientious and dependable, and her performance reviews noted very good job performance. These factors, combined with her proactive efforts to address her debts, led to the judge granting her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant paid most of her accumulated debts and established repayment arrangements with remaining creditors.
- She successfully disputed two debts that were subsequently removed from her credit report.
- Applicant voluntarily disclosed her financial issues during interviews with DSS agents.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A6.1.2.1raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A5.1.2.2raisedThe Deliberate Omission, Concealment, Falsification or Misrepresentation of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A6.1.3.3appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- E2.A6.1.3.6appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
- E2.A5.1.3.3appliedThe Individual Made Prompt, Good-faith Efforts to Correct the Falsification Before Being Confronted with the Facts
Key Rule Quoted
“A decision to grant or continue an applicant's security clearance may be made only upon a threshold finding that to do so is clearly consistent with the national interest.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 12, 2005
- Answer filedAug 23, 2005
- Hearing heldMay 31, 2006
- Decision dateSep 29, 2006
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F Due to Good-faith Repayment Efforts
- Voluntary Disclosure of Financial Issues as a Mitigating Factor Under Guideline E
- Application of Mitigating Conditions for Personal Conduct Related to Omissions in Security Clearance Application.