Summary
A 56-year-old computer programmer for a defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had significant delinquent debts exceeding $25,000, which included a federal tax lien and other outstanding obligations. These financial issues raised concerns about her reliability and judgment.
Furthermore, the applicant failed to disclose these delinquent debts and the federal tax lien on her SF 85P application for a trustworthiness determination. While some debts were resolved, including a $1,500 utility bill, a $780 State Department of Revenue debt, and another $1,500 debt, and a $20,874 truck purchase was current with monthly payments, other financial issues remained. A $637 debt, previously listed in bankruptcy, was still disputed.
Despite her long employment history and recent enrollment in a credit counseling program, the judge found insufficient evidence of financial responsibility and determined that the deliberate omissions on her application raised security concerns. The applicant had not taken sufficient action to mitigate the financial issues at the time of the hearing, leading to the denial of her security clearance.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant had significant delinquent debts exceeding $25,000, which raised security concerns under Guideline F.
- Applicant failed to disclose a federal tax lien and numerous delinquent debts on her SF 85P, indicating questionable judgment under Guideline E.
- Despite intentions to resolve debts, the applicant had not taken sufficient action to mitigate the financial issues at the time of the hearing.
Conditions Referenced
- E2.A5.1.1appliedQuestionable Judgment, Unreliability, and Unwillingness to Comply with Rules and Regulations
- E2.A6.1.1raisedHistory of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- E2.A6.1.2.3raisedEvidence of Inability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- E2.A5.1.2.2appliedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A6.1.3.3rejectedConditions That Resulted in the Behavior Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe judge found no evidence that the debts were beyond the applicant's control.
- E2.A6.1.3.6rejectedInitiated a Good Faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve DebtsThe applicant's actions were deemed insufficient to mitigate the security concerns.
Key Rule Quoted
“"The objective of the security clearance process is the fair-minded, commonsense assessment of a person's trustworthiness and fitness for access to classified information."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedMar 16, 2006
- Answer filedMay 19, 2006
- Hearing heldJun 27, 2006
- Decision dateOct 23, 2006
Cite For
- Issues of Financial Responsibility Under Guideline F
- Disclosure Obligations Under Guideline E
- The Importance of Timely Action in Mitigating Financial Concerns