FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): SY22-23
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Eligibility
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-004.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the eligibility determination of a child receiving meals.
Any child enrolled in a participating school or summer camp, who meets the applicable program's
definition of "child," may receive meals under applicable programs. A child belonging to households
meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price.
Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their
meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may
be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information
as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data
reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations
may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start
Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its
participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from
the State or local agency that administers those programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless, and migrant
children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct certified households do not
need to complete an application.
The School Corporation's child nutrition program software company, Skyward, automatically
imported the eligibility parameters into the system. There was no evidence of an oversight, review, or
approval process to ensure that the eligibility parameters entered into the Skyward system were accurate
and that eligibility statuses were being correctly determined.
A sample of forty students receiving free or reduced priced lunches was selected for testing. The
following issues were noted with the first fourteen students tested:
1. Six of the fourteen students' eligibility determinations were incorrect. Errors noted were:
a. Three students had an eligibility determination of free; however, their eligibility determination
should have been reduced.
b. One student had an eligibility determination of reduced; however, the eligibility determination
should have been paid.
c. Two students were determined to be reduced; however, their eligibility determination
should have been free.
2. One of the fourteen students did not have a completed application on file; thus, a determination
of eligibility could not be made.
3. Two students were direct certified; however, the School Corporation did not retain the monthly
direct certification reports ran to support this determination, nor could the reports be recreated.
Due to the number and magnitude of exceptions, per auditor judgement, we concluded it would not
be appropriate to examine the remaining twenty-six students.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 2022-2023 school year.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
7 CFR 245.6(c)(4) states:
"Calculating income. The local educational agency must use the income information provided
by the household on the application to calculate the household's total current income. When a
household submits an application containing complete documentation, as defined in § 245.2
and the household's total current income is at or below the eligibility limits specified in the
Income Eligibility Guidelines as defined in § 245.2, the children in that household must be
approved for free or reduced price benefits, as applicable."
7 CFR 245.6(e) states:
"Recordkeeping. The local educational agency must maintain documentation substantiating
eligibility determinations on file for 3 years after the date of the fiscal year to which they pertain,
except that if audit findings have not been resolved, the documentation must be maintained as
long as required for resolution of the issues raised by the audit."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, a student's eligibility for free or reduced price meals was incorrectly determined.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure student eligibility for free or reduced price
lunches is accurately determined and that all documentation is retained.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): SY22-23
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Eligibility
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-004.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the eligibility determination of a child receiving meals.
Any child enrolled in a participating school or summer camp, who meets the applicable program's
definition of "child," may receive meals under applicable programs. A child belonging to households
meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price.
Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their
meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may
be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information
as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data
reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations
may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start
Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its
participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from
the State or local agency that administers those programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless, and migrant
children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct certified households do not
need to complete an application.
The School Corporation's child nutrition program software company, Skyward, automatically
imported the eligibility parameters into the system. There was no evidence of an oversight, review, or
approval process to ensure that the eligibility parameters entered into the Skyward system were accurate
and that eligibility statuses were being correctly determined.
A sample of forty students receiving free or reduced priced lunches was selected for testing. The
following issues were noted with the first fourteen students tested:
1. Six of the fourteen students' eligibility determinations were incorrect. Errors noted were:
a. Three students had an eligibility determination of free; however, their eligibility determination
should have been reduced.
b. One student had an eligibility determination of reduced; however, the eligibility determination
should have been paid.
c. Two students were determined to be reduced; however, their eligibility determination
should have been free.
2. One of the fourteen students did not have a completed application on file; thus, a determination
of eligibility could not be made.
3. Two students were direct certified; however, the School Corporation did not retain the monthly
direct certification reports ran to support this determination, nor could the reports be recreated.
Due to the number and magnitude of exceptions, per auditor judgement, we concluded it would not
be appropriate to examine the remaining twenty-six students.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 2022-2023 school year.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
7 CFR 245.6(c)(4) states:
"Calculating income. The local educational agency must use the income information provided
by the household on the application to calculate the household's total current income. When a
household submits an application containing complete documentation, as defined in § 245.2
and the household's total current income is at or below the eligibility limits specified in the
Income Eligibility Guidelines as defined in § 245.2, the children in that household must be
approved for free or reduced price benefits, as applicable."
7 CFR 245.6(e) states:
"Recordkeeping. The local educational agency must maintain documentation substantiating
eligibility determinations on file for 3 years after the date of the fiscal year to which they pertain,
except that if audit findings have not been resolved, the documentation must be maintained as
long as required for resolution of the issues raised by the audit."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, a student's eligibility for free or reduced price meals was incorrectly determined.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure student eligibility for free or reduced price
lunches is accurately determined and that all documentation is retained.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. A property record or capital asset listing, which would include a
description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the
property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date,
cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under
which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property, is to be maintained
for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold.
The School Corporation paid for various pieces of equipment with Education Stabilization Funds
that exceeded the capitalization threshold. Although these assets were added to a detailed listing of capital
assets, the assets were added as a lump sum amount, instead of by individual piece of equipment. Additionally,
the records did not include a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for
the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost
of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which
the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issued throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) states:
"Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number
or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who
holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the
project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use
and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal
and sales price of the property."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars did not denote whether
federal funds were used to acquire the asset.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information
and new assets are added individually.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. A property record or capital asset listing, which would include a
description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the
property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date,
cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under
which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property, is to be maintained
for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold.
The School Corporation paid for various pieces of equipment with Education Stabilization Funds
that exceeded the capitalization threshold. Although these assets were added to a detailed listing of capital
assets, the assets were added as a lump sum amount, instead of by individual piece of equipment. Additionally,
the records did not include a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for
the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost
of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which
the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issued throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) states:
"Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number
or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who
holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the
project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use
and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal
and sales price of the property."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars did not denote whether
federal funds were used to acquire the asset.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information
and new assets are added individually.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. A property record or capital asset listing, which would include a
description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the
property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date,
cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under
which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property, is to be maintained
for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold.
The School Corporation paid for various pieces of equipment with Education Stabilization Funds
that exceeded the capitalization threshold. Although these assets were added to a detailed listing of capital
assets, the assets were added as a lump sum amount, instead of by individual piece of equipment. Additionally,
the records did not include a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for
the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost
of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which
the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issued throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) states:
"Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number
or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who
holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the
project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use
and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal
and sales price of the property."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars did not denote whether
federal funds were used to acquire the asset.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information
and new assets are added individually.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. A property record or capital asset listing, which would include a
description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the
property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date,
cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under
which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property, is to be maintained
for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold.
The School Corporation paid for various pieces of equipment with Education Stabilization Funds
that exceeded the capitalization threshold. Although these assets were added to a detailed listing of capital
assets, the assets were added as a lump sum amount, instead of by individual piece of equipment. Additionally,
the records did not include a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for
the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost
of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which
the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issued throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) states:
"Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number
or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who
holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the
project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use
and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal
and sales price of the property."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars did not denote whether
federal funds were used to acquire the asset.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information
and new assets are added individually.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. A property record or capital asset listing, which would include a
description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the
property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date,
cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under
which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property, is to be maintained
for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold.
The School Corporation paid for various pieces of equipment with Education Stabilization Funds
that exceeded the capitalization threshold. Although these assets were added to a detailed listing of capital
assets, the assets were added as a lump sum amount, instead of by individual piece of equipment. Additionally,
the records did not include a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for
the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost
of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which
the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issued throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) states:
"Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number
or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who
holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the
project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use
and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal
and sales price of the property."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars did not denote whether
federal funds were used to acquire the asset.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information
and new assets are added individually.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. A property record or capital asset listing, which would include a
description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the
property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date,
cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under
which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property, is to be maintained
for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold.
The School Corporation paid for various pieces of equipment with Education Stabilization Funds
that exceeded the capitalization threshold. Although these assets were added to a detailed listing of capital
assets, the assets were added as a lump sum amount, instead of by individual piece of equipment. Additionally,
the records did not include a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for
the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost
of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which
the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issued throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) states:
"Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number
or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who
holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the
project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use
and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal
and sales price of the property."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars did not denote whether
federal funds were used to acquire the asset.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information
and new assets are added individually.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted
included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures
per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation was required to submit two ESSER I reports, two
ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. However, the School Corporation
failed to submit all six required reports.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, reports were not submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely and accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted
included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures
per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation was required to submit two ESSER I reports, two
ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. However, the School Corporation
failed to submit all six required reports.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, reports were not submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely and accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted
included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures
per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation was required to submit two ESSER I reports, two
ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. However, the School Corporation
failed to submit all six required reports.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, reports were not submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely and accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted
included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures
per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation was required to submit two ESSER I reports, two
ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. However, the School Corporation
failed to submit all six required reports.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, reports were not submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely and accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special
Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal
assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing
wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to
include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor
or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a
requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in
which contract work was performed.
The School Corporation paid two different vendors for construction services totaling $1,198,350
during the audit period. The School Corporation's contracts with the vendors did not include the required
prevailing wage rate clause. In addition, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance for each week
in which contract work was performed was not received.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
29 CFR 5.5 states in part:
"(a) The Agency head shall cause or require the contracting officer to insert in full in any
contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or
repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work
financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal
agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make
a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated),
and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the acts listed in § 5.1, the
following clauses . . .
(1) Minimum wages.
(i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or
under the United States Housing Act of 1937 or under the Housing Act of 1949 in the
construction or development of the project), will be paid unconditionally and not less
often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account
(except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the
Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages
and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment
computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the
Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any
contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such
laborers and mechanics. . . .
(3) Payrolls and basic records. . . .
(ii)
(A) The contractor shall submit weekly for each week in which any contract work
is performed a copy of all payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal
agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a
party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, as
the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . ."
2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part:
"In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts
made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering
the following, as applicable. . . .
(D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal
program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-
Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act
(40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations
(29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering
Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors
must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than
the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor.
In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, contracts did not contain the appropriate language for the prevailing wage requirements
and payrolls were not obtained to ensure proper payment of those wages.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no known questioned costs.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure contracts have language including prevailing
wage rates and obtain payroll records to ensure wages are paid properly.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special
Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal
assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing
wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to
include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor
or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a
requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in
which contract work was performed.
The School Corporation paid two different vendors for construction services totaling $1,198,350
during the audit period. The School Corporation's contracts with the vendors did not include the required
prevailing wage rate clause. In addition, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance for each week
in which contract work was performed was not received.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
29 CFR 5.5 states in part:
"(a) The Agency head shall cause or require the contracting officer to insert in full in any
contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or
repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work
financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal
agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make
a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated),
and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the acts listed in § 5.1, the
following clauses . . .
(1) Minimum wages.
(i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or
under the United States Housing Act of 1937 or under the Housing Act of 1949 in the
construction or development of the project), will be paid unconditionally and not less
often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account
(except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the
Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages
and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment
computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the
Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any
contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such
laborers and mechanics. . . .
(3) Payrolls and basic records. . . .
(ii)
(A) The contractor shall submit weekly for each week in which any contract work
is performed a copy of all payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal
agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a
party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, as
the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . ."
2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part:
"In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts
made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering
the following, as applicable. . . .
(D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal
program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-
Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act
(40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations
(29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering
Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors
must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than
the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor.
In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, contracts did not contain the appropriate language for the prevailing wage requirements
and payrolls were not obtained to ensure proper payment of those wages.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no known questioned costs.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure contracts have language including prevailing
wage rates and obtain payroll records to ensure wages are paid properly.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): SY22-23
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Eligibility
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-004.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the eligibility determination of a child receiving meals.
Any child enrolled in a participating school or summer camp, who meets the applicable program's
definition of "child," may receive meals under applicable programs. A child belonging to households
meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price.
Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their
meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may
be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information
as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data
reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations
may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start
Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its
participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from
the State or local agency that administers those programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless, and migrant
children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct certified households do not
need to complete an application.
The School Corporation's child nutrition program software company, Skyward, automatically
imported the eligibility parameters into the system. There was no evidence of an oversight, review, or
approval process to ensure that the eligibility parameters entered into the Skyward system were accurate
and that eligibility statuses were being correctly determined.
A sample of forty students receiving free or reduced priced lunches was selected for testing. The
following issues were noted with the first fourteen students tested:
1. Six of the fourteen students' eligibility determinations were incorrect. Errors noted were:
a. Three students had an eligibility determination of free; however, their eligibility determination
should have been reduced.
b. One student had an eligibility determination of reduced; however, the eligibility determination
should have been paid.
c. Two students were determined to be reduced; however, their eligibility determination
should have been free.
2. One of the fourteen students did not have a completed application on file; thus, a determination
of eligibility could not be made.
3. Two students were direct certified; however, the School Corporation did not retain the monthly
direct certification reports ran to support this determination, nor could the reports be recreated.
Due to the number and magnitude of exceptions, per auditor judgement, we concluded it would not
be appropriate to examine the remaining twenty-six students.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 2022-2023 school year.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
7 CFR 245.6(c)(4) states:
"Calculating income. The local educational agency must use the income information provided
by the household on the application to calculate the household's total current income. When a
household submits an application containing complete documentation, as defined in § 245.2
and the household's total current income is at or below the eligibility limits specified in the
Income Eligibility Guidelines as defined in § 245.2, the children in that household must be
approved for free or reduced price benefits, as applicable."
7 CFR 245.6(e) states:
"Recordkeeping. The local educational agency must maintain documentation substantiating
eligibility determinations on file for 3 years after the date of the fiscal year to which they pertain,
except that if audit findings have not been resolved, the documentation must be maintained as
long as required for resolution of the issues raised by the audit."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, a student's eligibility for free or reduced price meals was incorrectly determined.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure student eligibility for free or reduced price
lunches is accurately determined and that all documentation is retained.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-002
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility
Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture
Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program,
Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): SY22-23
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Eligibility
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Repeat Finding
This is a repeat finding from the prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2021-004.
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the eligibility determination of a child receiving meals.
Any child enrolled in a participating school or summer camp, who meets the applicable program's
definition of "child," may receive meals under applicable programs. A child belonging to households
meeting nationwide income eligibility requirements may receive meals at no charge or at a reduced price.
Children that have been determined ineligible for free or reduced-price meals pay the full price for their
meals. A child's eligibility for free and reduced-priced meals under a Child Nutrition Cluster program may
be established by the submission of an annual application or statement which furnished such information
as family income and family size. The School Corporation determines eligibility by comparing the data
reported by the child's household to published income eligibility guidelines. Annual eligibility determinations
may also be based on the child's household receiving benefits under SNAP, FDPIR, the Head Start
Program, or, under most circumstances, the TANF program. A household may furnish documentation if its
participation in one of those programs, or the School Corporation may obtain the information directly from
the State or local agency that administers those programs. Certain foster, runaway, homeless, and migrant
children are categorically eligible for free school lunches and breakfasts. Direct certified households do not
need to complete an application.
The School Corporation's child nutrition program software company, Skyward, automatically
imported the eligibility parameters into the system. There was no evidence of an oversight, review, or
approval process to ensure that the eligibility parameters entered into the Skyward system were accurate
and that eligibility statuses were being correctly determined.
A sample of forty students receiving free or reduced priced lunches was selected for testing. The
following issues were noted with the first fourteen students tested:
1. Six of the fourteen students' eligibility determinations were incorrect. Errors noted were:
a. Three students had an eligibility determination of free; however, their eligibility determination
should have been reduced.
b. One student had an eligibility determination of reduced; however, the eligibility determination
should have been paid.
c. Two students were determined to be reduced; however, their eligibility determination
should have been free.
2. One of the fourteen students did not have a completed application on file; thus, a determination
of eligibility could not be made.
3. Two students were direct certified; however, the School Corporation did not retain the monthly
direct certification reports ran to support this determination, nor could the reports be recreated.
Due to the number and magnitude of exceptions, per auditor judgement, we concluded it would not
be appropriate to examine the remaining twenty-six students.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 2022-2023 school year.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.334 states in part:
"Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity
records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date
of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly
or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report,
respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of
a subrecipient. . . ."
7 CFR 245.6(c)(4) states:
"Calculating income. The local educational agency must use the income information provided
by the household on the application to calculate the household's total current income. When a
household submits an application containing complete documentation, as defined in § 245.2
and the household's total current income is at or below the eligibility limits specified in the
Income Eligibility Guidelines as defined in § 245.2, the children in that household must be
approved for free or reduced price benefits, as applicable."
7 CFR 245.6(e) states:
"Recordkeeping. The local educational agency must maintain documentation substantiating
eligibility determinations on file for 3 years after the date of the fiscal year to which they pertain,
except that if audit findings have not been resolved, the documentation must be maintained as
long as required for resolution of the issues raised by the audit."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, a student's eligibility for free or reduced price meals was incorrectly determined.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of
internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure student eligibility for free or reduced price
lunches is accurately determined and that all documentation is retained.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. A property record or capital asset listing, which would include a
description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the
property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date,
cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under
which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property, is to be maintained
for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold.
The School Corporation paid for various pieces of equipment with Education Stabilization Funds
that exceeded the capitalization threshold. Although these assets were added to a detailed listing of capital
assets, the assets were added as a lump sum amount, instead of by individual piece of equipment. Additionally,
the records did not include a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for
the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost
of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which
the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issued throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) states:
"Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number
or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who
holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the
project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use
and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal
and sales price of the property."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars did not denote whether
federal funds were used to acquire the asset.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information
and new assets are added individually.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. A property record or capital asset listing, which would include a
description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the
property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date,
cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under
which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property, is to be maintained
for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold.
The School Corporation paid for various pieces of equipment with Education Stabilization Funds
that exceeded the capitalization threshold. Although these assets were added to a detailed listing of capital
assets, the assets were added as a lump sum amount, instead of by individual piece of equipment. Additionally,
the records did not include a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for
the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost
of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which
the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issued throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) states:
"Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number
or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who
holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the
project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use
and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal
and sales price of the property."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars did not denote whether
federal funds were used to acquire the asset.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information
and new assets are added individually.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. A property record or capital asset listing, which would include a
description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the
property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date,
cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under
which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property, is to be maintained
for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold.
The School Corporation paid for various pieces of equipment with Education Stabilization Funds
that exceeded the capitalization threshold. Although these assets were added to a detailed listing of capital
assets, the assets were added as a lump sum amount, instead of by individual piece of equipment. Additionally,
the records did not include a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for
the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost
of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which
the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issued throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) states:
"Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number
or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who
holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the
project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use
and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal
and sales price of the property."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars did not denote whether
federal funds were used to acquire the asset.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information
and new assets are added individually.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. A property record or capital asset listing, which would include a
description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the
property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date,
cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under
which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property, is to be maintained
for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold.
The School Corporation paid for various pieces of equipment with Education Stabilization Funds
that exceeded the capitalization threshold. Although these assets were added to a detailed listing of capital
assets, the assets were added as a lump sum amount, instead of by individual piece of equipment. Additionally,
the records did not include a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for
the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost
of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which
the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issued throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) states:
"Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number
or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who
holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the
project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use
and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal
and sales price of the property."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars did not denote whether
federal funds were used to acquire the asset.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information
and new assets are added individually.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. A property record or capital asset listing, which would include a
description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the
property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date,
cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under
which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property, is to be maintained
for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold.
The School Corporation paid for various pieces of equipment with Education Stabilization Funds
that exceeded the capitalization threshold. Although these assets were added to a detailed listing of capital
assets, the assets were added as a lump sum amount, instead of by individual piece of equipment. Additionally,
the records did not include a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for
the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost
of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which
the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issued throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) states:
"Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number
or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who
holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the
project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use
and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal
and sales price of the property."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars did not denote whether
federal funds were used to acquire the asset.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information
and new assets are added individually.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-003
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013,
S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. A property record or capital asset listing, which would include a
description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the
property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), who holds title, the acquisition date,
cost of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under
which the property was acquired, the location, and use and condition of the property, is to be maintained
for assets purchased that exceed the School Corporation's capitalization threshold.
The School Corporation paid for various pieces of equipment with Education Stabilization Funds
that exceeded the capitalization threshold. Although these assets were added to a detailed listing of capital
assets, the assets were added as a lump sum amount, instead of by individual piece of equipment. Additionally,
the records did not include a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for
the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, cost
of the property, percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which
the property was acquired, the location, and the use and condition of the property.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issued throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.313(d)(1) states:
"Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number
or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who
holds title, the acquisition date, cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the
project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use
and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal
and sales price of the property."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, assets purchased in whole or in part with federal dollars did not denote whether
federal funds were used to acquire the asset.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information
and new assets are added individually.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted
included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures
per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation was required to submit two ESSER I reports, two
ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. However, the School Corporation
failed to submit all six required reports.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, reports were not submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely and accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted
included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures
per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation was required to submit two ESSER I reports, two
ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. However, the School Corporation
failed to submit all six required reports.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, reports were not submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely and accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted
included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures
per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation was required to submit two ESSER I reports, two
ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. However, the School Corporation
failed to submit all six required reports.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, reports were not submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely and accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-004
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D, 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit an annual data
report to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted
included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures
per activity.
During the audit period the School Corporation was required to submit two ESSER I reports, two
ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of six reports. However, the School Corporation
failed to submit all six required reports.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance
with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part:
"The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following
. . .
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal
award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328
and 200.329. . . ."
34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format
that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other
responsibilities under the program."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, reports were not submitted to the IDOE.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no questioned costs identified.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely and accurately.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special
Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal
assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing
wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to
include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor
or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a
requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in
which contract work was performed.
The School Corporation paid two different vendors for construction services totaling $1,198,350
during the audit period. The School Corporation's contracts with the vendors did not include the required
prevailing wage rate clause. In addition, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance for each week
in which contract work was performed was not received.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
29 CFR 5.5 states in part:
"(a) The Agency head shall cause or require the contracting officer to insert in full in any
contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or
repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work
financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal
agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make
a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated),
and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the acts listed in § 5.1, the
following clauses . . .
(1) Minimum wages.
(i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or
under the United States Housing Act of 1937 or under the Housing Act of 1949 in the
construction or development of the project), will be paid unconditionally and not less
often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account
(except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the
Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages
and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment
computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the
Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any
contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such
laborers and mechanics. . . .
(3) Payrolls and basic records. . . .
(ii)
(A) The contractor shall submit weekly for each week in which any contract work
is performed a copy of all payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal
agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a
party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, as
the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . ."
2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part:
"In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts
made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering
the following, as applicable. . . .
(D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal
program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-
Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act
(40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations
(29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering
Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors
must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than
the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor.
In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, contracts did not contain the appropriate language for the prevailing wage requirements
and payrolls were not obtained to ensure proper payment of those wages.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no known questioned costs.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure contracts have language including prevailing
wage rates and obtain payroll records to ensure wages are paid properly.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2023-005
Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special
Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U
Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion
Condition and Context
The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls,
which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or
detecting and correcting, noncompliance. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal
assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing
wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to
include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor
or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a
requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in
which contract work was performed.
The School Corporation paid two different vendors for construction services totaling $1,198,350
during the audit period. The School Corporation's contracts with the vendors did not include the required
prevailing wage rate clause. In addition, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance for each week
in which contract work was performed was not received.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Criteria
2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides
reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in
compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal
award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for
Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the
United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ."
29 CFR 5.5 states in part:
"(a) The Agency head shall cause or require the contracting officer to insert in full in any
contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or
repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work
financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal
agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make
a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated),
and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the acts listed in § 5.1, the
following clauses . . .
(1) Minimum wages.
(i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or
under the United States Housing Act of 1937 or under the Housing Act of 1949 in the
construction or development of the project), will be paid unconditionally and not less
often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account
(except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the
Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages
and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment
computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the
Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any
contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such
laborers and mechanics. . . .
(3) Payrolls and basic records. . . .
(ii)
(A) The contractor shall submit weekly for each week in which any contract work
is performed a copy of all payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal
agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a
party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, as
the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . ."
2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part:
"In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts
made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering
the following, as applicable. . . .
(D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal
program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-
Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act
(40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations
(29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering
Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors
must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than
the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor.
In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ."
Cause
A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation.
Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls
consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements
of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would
implement these policies.
Effect
Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal
control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance.
As a result, contracts did not contain the appropriate language for the prevailing wage requirements
and payrolls were not obtained to ensure proper payment of those wages.
Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of
the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs
There were no known questioned costs.
Recommendation
We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal
controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure contracts have language including prevailing
wage rates and obtain payroll records to ensure wages are paid properly.
Views of Responsible Officials
For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.