Audit 25364

FY End
2022-06-30
Total Expended
$12.05M
Findings
12
Programs
16
Year: 2022 Accepted: 2023-05-22

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
35470 2022-001 Material Weakness - I
35471 2022-001 Material Weakness - I
35472 2022-001 Material Weakness - I
35473 2022-001 Material Weakness - I
35474 2022-001 Material Weakness - I
35475 2022-001 Material Weakness - I
611912 2022-001 Material Weakness - I
611913 2022-001 Material Weakness - I
611914 2022-001 Material Weakness - I
611915 2022-001 Material Weakness - I
611916 2022-001 Material Weakness - I
611917 2022-001 Material Weakness - I

Contacts

Name Title Type
YQGMMHLTFPC4 Amanda Wommack Auditee
7067952191 Karen Rodgers Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Accounting Policies: Note 1. Basis of Presentation The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the "Schedule") includes the federal award activity of the Madison County Board of Education (the "Board") under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2022. The information in this Schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of the Board, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position or changes in net position of the Board.Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesExpenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the modified accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Note 3. Indirect Cost RateThe Board has elected not to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate as allowed under the Uniform Guidance.

Finding Details

FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Procurement Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States COVID-19 ? 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants COVID-19 ? 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A200073 (Year: 2021), H027A210073 (Year: 2022), H027X210073 (Year: 2022), H173A200081 (Year: 2021), H173A210081 (Year: 2022), H173X210081 (Year: 2022) Questioned Costs: $72,747 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster (Assistance Listing Numbers 84.027 and 84.173) revealed that the School District?s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District?s procurement procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster, which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Special Education Cluster funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Special Education Cluster funds totaling $1,381,680 were expended and reported on the Madison County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state in part that ?(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and? (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 ? Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state ?If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources?? Condition: A sample of 30 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Though no problems were noted with the micro-purchase transactions tested, auditors encountered the significant issues in testing small purchase transactions; therefore, the entire population of small purchase transactions was ultimately tested. Upon review of these transactions, it was noted that the School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations was obtained from qualified sources for eight vendors associated with small purchase expenditures. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $72,747 were identified for all small purchase expenditures that did not follow the School District?s procurement procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of Federal funds. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating effectively and as designed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Procurement Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States COVID-19 ? 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants COVID-19 ? 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A200073 (Year: 2021), H027A210073 (Year: 2022), H027X210073 (Year: 2022), H173A200081 (Year: 2021), H173A210081 (Year: 2022), H173X210081 (Year: 2022) Questioned Costs: $72,747 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster (Assistance Listing Numbers 84.027 and 84.173) revealed that the School District?s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District?s procurement procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster, which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Special Education Cluster funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Special Education Cluster funds totaling $1,381,680 were expended and reported on the Madison County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state in part that ?(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and? (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 ? Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state ?If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources?? Condition: A sample of 30 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Though no problems were noted with the micro-purchase transactions tested, auditors encountered the significant issues in testing small purchase transactions; therefore, the entire population of small purchase transactions was ultimately tested. Upon review of these transactions, it was noted that the School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations was obtained from qualified sources for eight vendors associated with small purchase expenditures. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $72,747 were identified for all small purchase expenditures that did not follow the School District?s procurement procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of Federal funds. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating effectively and as designed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Procurement Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States COVID-19 ? 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants COVID-19 ? 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A200073 (Year: 2021), H027A210073 (Year: 2022), H027X210073 (Year: 2022), H173A200081 (Year: 2021), H173A210081 (Year: 2022), H173X210081 (Year: 2022) Questioned Costs: $72,747 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster (Assistance Listing Numbers 84.027 and 84.173) revealed that the School District?s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District?s procurement procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster, which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Special Education Cluster funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Special Education Cluster funds totaling $1,381,680 were expended and reported on the Madison County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state in part that ?(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and? (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 ? Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state ?If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources?? Condition: A sample of 30 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Though no problems were noted with the micro-purchase transactions tested, auditors encountered the significant issues in testing small purchase transactions; therefore, the entire population of small purchase transactions was ultimately tested. Upon review of these transactions, it was noted that the School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations was obtained from qualified sources for eight vendors associated with small purchase expenditures. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $72,747 were identified for all small purchase expenditures that did not follow the School District?s procurement procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of Federal funds. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating effectively and as designed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Procurement Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States COVID-19 ? 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants COVID-19 ? 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A200073 (Year: 2021), H027A210073 (Year: 2022), H027X210073 (Year: 2022), H173A200081 (Year: 2021), H173A210081 (Year: 2022), H173X210081 (Year: 2022) Questioned Costs: $72,747 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster (Assistance Listing Numbers 84.027 and 84.173) revealed that the School District?s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District?s procurement procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster, which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Special Education Cluster funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Special Education Cluster funds totaling $1,381,680 were expended and reported on the Madison County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state in part that ?(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and? (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 ? Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state ?If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources?? Condition: A sample of 30 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Though no problems were noted with the micro-purchase transactions tested, auditors encountered the significant issues in testing small purchase transactions; therefore, the entire population of small purchase transactions was ultimately tested. Upon review of these transactions, it was noted that the School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations was obtained from qualified sources for eight vendors associated with small purchase expenditures. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $72,747 were identified for all small purchase expenditures that did not follow the School District?s procurement procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of Federal funds. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating effectively and as designed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Procurement Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States COVID-19 ? 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants COVID-19 ? 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A200073 (Year: 2021), H027A210073 (Year: 2022), H027X210073 (Year: 2022), H173A200081 (Year: 2021), H173A210081 (Year: 2022), H173X210081 (Year: 2022) Questioned Costs: $72,747 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster (Assistance Listing Numbers 84.027 and 84.173) revealed that the School District?s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District?s procurement procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster, which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Special Education Cluster funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Special Education Cluster funds totaling $1,381,680 were expended and reported on the Madison County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state in part that ?(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and? (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 ? Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state ?If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources?? Condition: A sample of 30 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Though no problems were noted with the micro-purchase transactions tested, auditors encountered the significant issues in testing small purchase transactions; therefore, the entire population of small purchase transactions was ultimately tested. Upon review of these transactions, it was noted that the School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations was obtained from qualified sources for eight vendors associated with small purchase expenditures. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $72,747 were identified for all small purchase expenditures that did not follow the School District?s procurement procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of Federal funds. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating effectively and as designed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Procurement Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States COVID-19 ? 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants COVID-19 ? 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A200073 (Year: 2021), H027A210073 (Year: 2022), H027X210073 (Year: 2022), H173A200081 (Year: 2021), H173A210081 (Year: 2022), H173X210081 (Year: 2022) Questioned Costs: $72,747 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster (Assistance Listing Numbers 84.027 and 84.173) revealed that the School District?s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District?s procurement procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster, which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Special Education Cluster funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Special Education Cluster funds totaling $1,381,680 were expended and reported on the Madison County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state in part that ?(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and? (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 ? Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state ?If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources?? Condition: A sample of 30 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Though no problems were noted with the micro-purchase transactions tested, auditors encountered the significant issues in testing small purchase transactions; therefore, the entire population of small purchase transactions was ultimately tested. Upon review of these transactions, it was noted that the School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations was obtained from qualified sources for eight vendors associated with small purchase expenditures. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $72,747 were identified for all small purchase expenditures that did not follow the School District?s procurement procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of Federal funds. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating effectively and as designed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Procurement Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States COVID-19 ? 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants COVID-19 ? 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A200073 (Year: 2021), H027A210073 (Year: 2022), H027X210073 (Year: 2022), H173A200081 (Year: 2021), H173A210081 (Year: 2022), H173X210081 (Year: 2022) Questioned Costs: $72,747 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster (Assistance Listing Numbers 84.027 and 84.173) revealed that the School District?s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District?s procurement procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster, which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Special Education Cluster funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Special Education Cluster funds totaling $1,381,680 were expended and reported on the Madison County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state in part that ?(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and? (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 ? Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state ?If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources?? Condition: A sample of 30 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Though no problems were noted with the micro-purchase transactions tested, auditors encountered the significant issues in testing small purchase transactions; therefore, the entire population of small purchase transactions was ultimately tested. Upon review of these transactions, it was noted that the School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations was obtained from qualified sources for eight vendors associated with small purchase expenditures. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $72,747 were identified for all small purchase expenditures that did not follow the School District?s procurement procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of Federal funds. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating effectively and as designed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Procurement Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States COVID-19 ? 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants COVID-19 ? 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A200073 (Year: 2021), H027A210073 (Year: 2022), H027X210073 (Year: 2022), H173A200081 (Year: 2021), H173A210081 (Year: 2022), H173X210081 (Year: 2022) Questioned Costs: $72,747 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster (Assistance Listing Numbers 84.027 and 84.173) revealed that the School District?s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District?s procurement procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster, which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Special Education Cluster funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Special Education Cluster funds totaling $1,381,680 were expended and reported on the Madison County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state in part that ?(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and? (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 ? Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state ?If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources?? Condition: A sample of 30 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Though no problems were noted with the micro-purchase transactions tested, auditors encountered the significant issues in testing small purchase transactions; therefore, the entire population of small purchase transactions was ultimately tested. Upon review of these transactions, it was noted that the School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations was obtained from qualified sources for eight vendors associated with small purchase expenditures. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $72,747 were identified for all small purchase expenditures that did not follow the School District?s procurement procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of Federal funds. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating effectively and as designed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Procurement Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States COVID-19 ? 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants COVID-19 ? 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A200073 (Year: 2021), H027A210073 (Year: 2022), H027X210073 (Year: 2022), H173A200081 (Year: 2021), H173A210081 (Year: 2022), H173X210081 (Year: 2022) Questioned Costs: $72,747 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster (Assistance Listing Numbers 84.027 and 84.173) revealed that the School District?s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District?s procurement procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster, which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Special Education Cluster funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Special Education Cluster funds totaling $1,381,680 were expended and reported on the Madison County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state in part that ?(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and? (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 ? Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state ?If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources?? Condition: A sample of 30 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Though no problems were noted with the micro-purchase transactions tested, auditors encountered the significant issues in testing small purchase transactions; therefore, the entire population of small purchase transactions was ultimately tested. Upon review of these transactions, it was noted that the School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations was obtained from qualified sources for eight vendors associated with small purchase expenditures. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $72,747 were identified for all small purchase expenditures that did not follow the School District?s procurement procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of Federal funds. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating effectively and as designed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Procurement Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States COVID-19 ? 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants COVID-19 ? 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A200073 (Year: 2021), H027A210073 (Year: 2022), H027X210073 (Year: 2022), H173A200081 (Year: 2021), H173A210081 (Year: 2022), H173X210081 (Year: 2022) Questioned Costs: $72,747 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster (Assistance Listing Numbers 84.027 and 84.173) revealed that the School District?s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District?s procurement procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster, which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Special Education Cluster funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Special Education Cluster funds totaling $1,381,680 were expended and reported on the Madison County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state in part that ?(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and? (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 ? Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state ?If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources?? Condition: A sample of 30 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Though no problems were noted with the micro-purchase transactions tested, auditors encountered the significant issues in testing small purchase transactions; therefore, the entire population of small purchase transactions was ultimately tested. Upon review of these transactions, it was noted that the School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations was obtained from qualified sources for eight vendors associated with small purchase expenditures. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $72,747 were identified for all small purchase expenditures that did not follow the School District?s procurement procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of Federal funds. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating effectively and as designed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Procurement Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States COVID-19 ? 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants COVID-19 ? 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A200073 (Year: 2021), H027A210073 (Year: 2022), H027X210073 (Year: 2022), H173A200081 (Year: 2021), H173A210081 (Year: 2022), H173X210081 (Year: 2022) Questioned Costs: $72,747 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster (Assistance Listing Numbers 84.027 and 84.173) revealed that the School District?s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District?s procurement procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster, which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Special Education Cluster funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Special Education Cluster funds totaling $1,381,680 were expended and reported on the Madison County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state in part that ?(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and? (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 ? Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state ?If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources?? Condition: A sample of 30 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Though no problems were noted with the micro-purchase transactions tested, auditors encountered the significant issues in testing small purchase transactions; therefore, the entire population of small purchase transactions was ultimately tested. Upon review of these transactions, it was noted that the School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations was obtained from qualified sources for eight vendors associated with small purchase expenditures. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $72,747 were identified for all small purchase expenditures that did not follow the School District?s procurement procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of Federal funds. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating effectively and as designed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2022-001 Improve Controls over Procurement Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States COVID-19 ? 84.027 ? Special Education Grants to States 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants COVID-19 ? 84.173 ? Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A200073 (Year: 2021), H027A210073 (Year: 2022), H027X210073 (Year: 2022), H173A200081 (Year: 2021), H173A210081 (Year: 2022), H173X210081 (Year: 2022) Questioned Costs: $72,747 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster (Assistance Listing Numbers 84.027 and 84.173) revealed that the School District?s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District?s procurement procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster, which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special Education Cluster funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. Special Education Cluster funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Special Education Cluster funds totaling $1,381,680 were expended and reported on the Madison County Board of Education?s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2022. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 ? Internal Controls. In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.318 ? General Procurement Standards state in part that ?(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and? (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.? Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 ? Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state ?If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources?? Condition: A sample of 30 procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. Though no problems were noted with the micro-purchase transactions tested, auditors encountered the significant issues in testing small purchase transactions; therefore, the entire population of small purchase transactions was ultimately tested. Upon review of these transactions, it was noted that the School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations was obtained from qualified sources for eight vendors associated with small purchase expenditures. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $72,747 were identified for all small purchase expenditures that did not follow the School District?s procurement procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that internal control procedures related to procurement were not being followed appropriately. In addition, management did not adequately monitor the procurement internal control procedures. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of Federal funds. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating effectively and as designed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.