Personnel Security Hearing (PSH)

Personnel Security; Access Authorization Not Restored; Guideline E (Personal Conduct), Guideline G (Alcohol Consumption)

On February 19, 2020, an Administrative Judge determined that an individual's access authorization under 10 C.F.R. Part 710 should not be restored. The Individual is employed by a DOE contractor in a position that requires him to hold a DOE security clearance. In June 2019, in response to information provided by a private citizen, the Local Security Office (LSO) produced an investigative report regarding the Individual's overuse of alcohol and threats of violence toward himself and others. Due to concerns arising from this report, the Individual was referred for psychological and substance abuse evaluations. A provider determined that the Individual met the criteria for substance use disorder, moderate, and recommended intensive outpatient treatment. During the hearing, the Individual testified that he stopped consuming alcohol in May 2019, began counseling sessions with the Employee Assistance Program, and signed a Stipulation of Understanding, in which he agreed to abstain from alcohol use for a period of two years and attend couples counseling if he becomes involved in a committed relationship. However, at the time of the hearing, less than one year had elapsed since the Individual stopped consuming alcohol and since he engaged in questionable behavior. Further, the Individual had yet to complete an alcohol treatment program. As such, the Administrative Judge determined that the Individual had not resolved the security concerns associated with Guideline E or Guideline G. Accordingly, she concluded that the Individual's access authorization should not be restored. OHA Case No. PSH-20-0022 (Katie Quintana).