Summary
A 26-year-old federal contractor was denied a security clearance for an ADP I/II/III position due to significant financial concerns under Guideline F. The applicant had 15 unpaid delinquent debts, totaling over $13,000, which raised disqualifying conditions related to her financial trustworthiness.
While the applicant attributed her financial difficulties to her separation from her husband, she did not provide evidence of any actions taken to address these debts. Specifically, she failed to demonstrate efforts to repay her creditors or negotiate new payment terms.
The judge determined that the applicant's financial problems were not solely caused by circumstances beyond her control and that she had not adequately mitigated the financial concerns. Consequently, the applicant's eligibility for a security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant has 15 unpaid delinquent debts totaling over $13,000.
- She failed to provide evidence of any efforts to repay her debts or negotiate with creditors.
- The judge found that her financial problems were not solely due to circumstances beyond her control.
Conditions Referenced
- FC DC 19 (a)appliedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- FC DC 19 (c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- FC MC 20 (a)rejectedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur and Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual's Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment
- FC MC 20 (b)rejectedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- FC MC 20 (c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem And/or There Are Clear Indications That the Problem Is Being Resolved or Is Under Control
- FC MC 20 (d)rejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Financial Considerations are a security concern because failure or inability to live within one's means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations may indicate poor self-control, lack of judgment, or unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations, all of which can raise questions about an individual's reliability, trustworthiness and ability to protect classified information.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedNov 29, 2006
- Answer filedDec 26, 2006
- Hearing held—Applicant elected to have the case decided on the written record.
- Decision dateMar 19, 2007
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Financial Irresponsibility
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Concerns Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unpaid Debts on Trustworthiness Determinations