Summary
This DOHA security clearance case involved a 44-year-old divorced single mother of two, whose eligibility for a sensitive position was reviewed under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had a history of financial difficulties, including Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 1995 and subsequent debts following a 2002 car accident.
The Statement of Reasons detailed 14 delinquent debts totaling $12,211, which included various credit card accounts, department store accounts, and medical bills, with collection dates ranging from 1998 to 2005. Disqualifying conditions E2.A6.1.2.1 and E2.A6.1.2.3 were raised.
However, the judge found that the applicant had mitigated these concerns. She resolved most of her delinquent debts with assistance from her step-father and demonstrated a good faith effort to locate and pay off outstanding medical debts. The omission of some delinquent debts on her application was deemed unintentional, as she was unaware of them. Mitigating conditions E2.A6.1.3.3 and E2.A6.1.3.6 were applied, and the applicant's security clearance was GRANTED.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant resolved most of her delinquent debts with the help of her step-father.
- She made a good faith effort to locate and pay off outstanding medical debts.
- The omission of delinquent debts on her application was not intentional, as she was unaware of them.
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 Control
- E2.A6.1.3.6appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve 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 issuedAug 24, 2006
- Answer filedSep 18, 2006
- Hearing heldDec 5, 2006rescheduled due to scheduling conflict
- Decision dateFeb 22, 2007
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F Due to Circumstances Beyond Control
- Good Faith Efforts to Resolve Debts Can Mitigate Trustworthiness Concerns
- Unintentional Omissions on Security Clearance Applications May Not Indicate Untrustworthiness Under Guideline E.