FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
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 awards 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 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be
allowable under Federal awards:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range." FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place
to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for
each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
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 such, the earmarking requirements could not be verified as having been met.
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.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching,
Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement.
Although the Cooperative has a separate object code to identify expenditures for the purpose of
proportionate share, there is no identifier or separate way to track which member school the funding was
expended for. As such, the Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-
022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards could not be verified for the individual
member schools. Additionally, the Cooperative did not obtain a waiver from the Indiana Department of
Education for the amount unspent for the requirement on the 19611-022-PN01 and 20611-022-PN01 grant
awards. For the 21611-022-PN01 grant award, a waiver was obtained from the IDOE which was used to
cover a portion of the member school's required proportionate share amount; however, the remaining
amount, which the Cooperative claimed to have expended, could not be traced to documentation that
indicated which member school the expenditure was applied to. For the 22611-022-PN01 grant award, no
waiver was obtained, and the amounts spent could not be traced to documentation that indicated which
member school the expenditure was applied to. Also, the total amount expended for proportionate share
was less than the total amount required when all member school proportionate share requirements were
totaled.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards. The minimum earmarking requirement for the
19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards were $1,931,
$3,486, $6,832, and $1,794, respectively. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure non-public proportionate share
funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenses charged directly on behalf of
the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenses should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
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 awards 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 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be
allowable under Federal awards:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range." FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place
to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for
each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
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 such, the earmarking requirements could not be verified as having been met.
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.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching,
Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement.
Although the Cooperative has a separate object code to identify expenditures for the purpose of
proportionate share, there is no identifier or separate way to track which member school the funding was
expended for. As such, the Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-
022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards could not be verified for the individual
member schools. Additionally, the Cooperative did not obtain a waiver from the Indiana Department of
Education for the amount unspent for the requirement on the 19611-022-PN01 and 20611-022-PN01 grant
awards. For the 21611-022-PN01 grant award, a waiver was obtained from the IDOE which was used to
cover a portion of the member school's required proportionate share amount; however, the remaining
amount, which the Cooperative claimed to have expended, could not be traced to documentation that
indicated which member school the expenditure was applied to. For the 22611-022-PN01 grant award, no
waiver was obtained, and the amounts spent could not be traced to documentation that indicated which
member school the expenditure was applied to. Also, the total amount expended for proportionate share
was less than the total amount required when all member school proportionate share requirements were
totaled.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards. The minimum earmarking requirement for the
19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards were $1,931,
$3,486, $6,832, and $1,794, respectively. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure non-public proportionate share
funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenses charged directly on behalf of
the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenses should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
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 awards 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 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be
allowable under Federal awards:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range." FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place
to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for
each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
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 such, the earmarking requirements could not be verified as having been met.
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.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching,
Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement.
Although the Cooperative has a separate object code to identify expenditures for the purpose of
proportionate share, there is no identifier or separate way to track which member school the funding was
expended for. As such, the Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-
022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards could not be verified for the individual
member schools. Additionally, the Cooperative did not obtain a waiver from the Indiana Department of
Education for the amount unspent for the requirement on the 19611-022-PN01 and 20611-022-PN01 grant
awards. For the 21611-022-PN01 grant award, a waiver was obtained from the IDOE which was used to
cover a portion of the member school's required proportionate share amount; however, the remaining
amount, which the Cooperative claimed to have expended, could not be traced to documentation that
indicated which member school the expenditure was applied to. For the 22611-022-PN01 grant award, no
waiver was obtained, and the amounts spent could not be traced to documentation that indicated which
member school the expenditure was applied to. Also, the total amount expended for proportionate share
was less than the total amount required when all member school proportionate share requirements were
totaled.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards. The minimum earmarking requirement for the
19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards were $1,931,
$3,486, $6,832, and $1,794, respectively. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure non-public proportionate share
funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenses charged directly on behalf of
the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenses should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
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 awards 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 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be
allowable under Federal awards:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range." FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place
to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for
each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
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 such, the earmarking requirements could not be verified as having been met.
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.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching,
Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement.
Although the Cooperative has a separate object code to identify expenditures for the purpose of
proportionate share, there is no identifier or separate way to track which member school the funding was
expended for. As such, the Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-
022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards could not be verified for the individual
member schools. Additionally, the Cooperative did not obtain a waiver from the Indiana Department of
Education for the amount unspent for the requirement on the 19611-022-PN01 and 20611-022-PN01 grant
awards. For the 21611-022-PN01 grant award, a waiver was obtained from the IDOE which was used to
cover a portion of the member school's required proportionate share amount; however, the remaining
amount, which the Cooperative claimed to have expended, could not be traced to documentation that
indicated which member school the expenditure was applied to. For the 22611-022-PN01 grant award, no
waiver was obtained, and the amounts spent could not be traced to documentation that indicated which
member school the expenditure was applied to. Also, the total amount expended for proportionate share
was less than the total amount required when all member school proportionate share requirements were
totaled.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards. The minimum earmarking requirement for the
19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards were $1,931,
$3,486, $6,832, and $1,794, respectively. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure non-public proportionate share
funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenses charged directly on behalf of
the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenses should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2023-006
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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)(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). Finding 2023-006 (Continued)
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.. . .”
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions
– Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirements. The School Corporation did not include Davis Bacon
wage rate requirements in its contract with vendor which includes labor. The School Corporation did not
obtain the weekly payroll reports certifications from a construction company and its subcontractors for a
building project.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirements listed above.
Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material
noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and
Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal
funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation expended $556,865 during the audit period on a construction project to
expand the cafeteria which was charged to the ESSER III grant award (84.425U) and approved through
the grant application with the Indiana Department of Education. The construction contract did not include a
Davis-Bacon clause prescribing federal wage rate requirements required for construction contracts. The
School Corporation did not have an internal control designed to collect the weekly payroll reports
certifications from the construction company and its subcontractors, as applicable, for the construction
project to verify prevailing wages were being paid during the project period. Therefore, no review was
performed by management to ensure that pay rates complied with the federal wage rate requirements. The
construction payments represented approximately 22.5% of the Education Stabilization Fund
disbursements for the period under audit.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation include Davis-Bacon wage requirements in
construction contracts which are federally funded and implement a formal process to ensure the required
weekly payroll report certifications are collected and reviewed by management to ensure compliance with
the federal wage rate requirements. Finding 2023-006 (Continued)
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost
Principles, Period of Performance
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Period of
Performance
Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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)...."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of
Performance compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special
education and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost
principles and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight,
review, or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed
with cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance. FINDING 2023-002 (Continued)
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 design or implementation of the components of a system of internal control,
including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed,
the control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
noncompliance.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Activities
Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance compliance
requirements.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with
the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, and Period of Performance
compliance requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate policies or
procedures to determine that grant expenditures were for the excess costs of providing special education
and related services to children with disabilities, were in conformance with the applicable cost principles
and were obligated during the award period of performance. There was no documented oversight, review,
or approval process in place at the Cooperative to ensure expenditures were allowable, conformed with
cost principles and were incurred during the period of performance.
The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement
a proper system of internal control, including policies and procedures, that are documented that would
provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals and oversight are taking place.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
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 awards 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 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be
allowable under Federal awards:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range." FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place
to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for
each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
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 such, the earmarking requirements could not be verified as having been met.
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.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching,
Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement.
Although the Cooperative has a separate object code to identify expenditures for the purpose of
proportionate share, there is no identifier or separate way to track which member school the funding was
expended for. As such, the Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-
022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards could not be verified for the individual
member schools. Additionally, the Cooperative did not obtain a waiver from the Indiana Department of
Education for the amount unspent for the requirement on the 19611-022-PN01 and 20611-022-PN01 grant
awards. For the 21611-022-PN01 grant award, a waiver was obtained from the IDOE which was used to
cover a portion of the member school's required proportionate share amount; however, the remaining
amount, which the Cooperative claimed to have expended, could not be traced to documentation that
indicated which member school the expenditure was applied to. For the 22611-022-PN01 grant award, no
waiver was obtained, and the amounts spent could not be traced to documentation that indicated which
member school the expenditure was applied to. Also, the total amount expended for proportionate share
was less than the total amount required when all member school proportionate share requirements were
totaled.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards. The minimum earmarking requirement for the
19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards were $1,931,
$3,486, $6,832, and $1,794, respectively. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure non-public proportionate share
funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenses charged directly on behalf of
the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenses should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
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 awards 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 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be
allowable under Federal awards:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range." FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place
to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for
each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
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 such, the earmarking requirements could not be verified as having been met.
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.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching,
Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement.
Although the Cooperative has a separate object code to identify expenditures for the purpose of
proportionate share, there is no identifier or separate way to track which member school the funding was
expended for. As such, the Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-
022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards could not be verified for the individual
member schools. Additionally, the Cooperative did not obtain a waiver from the Indiana Department of
Education for the amount unspent for the requirement on the 19611-022-PN01 and 20611-022-PN01 grant
awards. For the 21611-022-PN01 grant award, a waiver was obtained from the IDOE which was used to
cover a portion of the member school's required proportionate share amount; however, the remaining
amount, which the Cooperative claimed to have expended, could not be traced to documentation that
indicated which member school the expenditure was applied to. For the 22611-022-PN01 grant award, no
waiver was obtained, and the amounts spent could not be traced to documentation that indicated which
member school the expenditure was applied to. Also, the total amount expended for proportionate share
was less than the total amount required when all member school proportionate share requirements were
totaled.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards. The minimum earmarking requirement for the
19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards were $1,931,
$3,486, $6,832, and $1,794, respectively. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure non-public proportionate share
funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenses charged directly on behalf of
the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenses should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
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 awards 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 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be
allowable under Federal awards:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range." FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place
to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for
each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
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 such, the earmarking requirements could not be verified as having been met.
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.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching,
Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement.
Although the Cooperative has a separate object code to identify expenditures for the purpose of
proportionate share, there is no identifier or separate way to track which member school the funding was
expended for. As such, the Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-
022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards could not be verified for the individual
member schools. Additionally, the Cooperative did not obtain a waiver from the Indiana Department of
Education for the amount unspent for the requirement on the 19611-022-PN01 and 20611-022-PN01 grant
awards. For the 21611-022-PN01 grant award, a waiver was obtained from the IDOE which was used to
cover a portion of the member school's required proportionate share amount; however, the remaining
amount, which the Cooperative claimed to have expended, could not be traced to documentation that
indicated which member school the expenditure was applied to. For the 22611-022-PN01 grant award, no
waiver was obtained, and the amounts spent could not be traced to documentation that indicated which
member school the expenditure was applied to. Also, the total amount expended for proportionate share
was less than the total amount required when all member school proportionate share requirements were
totaled.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards. The minimum earmarking requirement for the
19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards were $1,931,
$3,486, $6,832, and $1,794, respectively. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure non-public proportionate share
funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenses charged directly on behalf of
the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenses should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States
Assistance Listings Number: 84.027
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking
Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency
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 awards 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 200.403 states in part:
"Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be
allowable under Federal awards:…
(g) Be adequately documented. . . ."
2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part:
"The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as
needed . . ."
511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states:
"The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools
must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20
U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their
parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the
same age range." FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place
to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for
each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school
expenditures were appropriately identified and reported.
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 such, the earmarking requirements could not be verified as having been met.
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.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching,
Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement.
Although the Cooperative has a separate object code to identify expenditures for the purpose of
proportionate share, there is no identifier or separate way to track which member school the funding was
expended for. As such, the Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-
022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards could not be verified for the individual
member schools. Additionally, the Cooperative did not obtain a waiver from the Indiana Department of
Education for the amount unspent for the requirement on the 19611-022-PN01 and 20611-022-PN01 grant
awards. For the 21611-022-PN01 grant award, a waiver was obtained from the IDOE which was used to
cover a portion of the member school's required proportionate share amount; however, the remaining
amount, which the Cooperative claimed to have expended, could not be traced to documentation that
indicated which member school the expenditure was applied to. For the 22611-022-PN01 grant award, no
waiver was obtained, and the amounts spent could not be traced to documentation that indicated which
member school the expenditure was applied to. Also, the total amount expended for proportionate share
was less than the total amount required when all member school proportionate share requirements were
totaled.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards. The minimum earmarking requirement for the
19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01, 21611-022-PN01, and 22611-022-PN01 grant awards were $1,931,
$3,486, $6,832, and $1,794, respectively. FINDING 2023-003 (Continued)
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure non-public proportionate share
funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenses charged directly on behalf of
the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenses should be retained for audit.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22619-022-ARP, 23619-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
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 awards 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 200.318 states in part:
"(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State,
local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or
services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement
procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . .
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement.
These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of
procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract
price. . . .” FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
2 CFR 200.320 states in part:
“The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the
standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of
procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under
a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1,
or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not
required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion
of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal
methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . .
(2) Small purchases —
(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar
amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate
quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined
appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . “
2 CFR 180.300 states:
"When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that
the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the procurement and suspension an debarment requirements. The Cooperative had not
designed or implemented adequate policies or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures
for micro or small purchases were followed. There was no oversight, review, or approval process in place
and documented at the Cooperative to ensure proper procedures were followed and price or rate quotations
were obtained, if required, or documentation to support limited procurement procedures.
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. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
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, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to and
vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future
federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education Cooperative
(Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements
were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School
Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was
inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the
Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement.
Procurement
Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property
or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower,
more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive
threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement
does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process.
The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for
those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micropurchase
threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded
without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or
rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.
For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $88,772, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All three
vendors were tested. For all three, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there
documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement
method used.
For fiscal year 2023, six vendors, totaling $264,106, were identified as being less than the simplified
acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the six
vendors was a bankcard used to pay several different vendors; however, individual determinations of
amount spent by vendor could not be determined, and thus it was considered under this threshold. All six
vendors were tested. For five of the six, totaling $252,906, the Cooperative did not obtain price or rate
quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason
for the procurement method used.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. FINDING 2023-004 (Continued)
Suspension and Debarment
Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required
to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded.
“Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a
non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The
verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or
adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor.
Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor
with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded,
the Cooperative disclosed they relied on a clause to be included in the vendor contracts to ensure
compliance. Two covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were identified. Both
transactions, totaling $192,218, were selected for testing. One of the two transactions, totaling $44,883,
included the appropriate clause. For the other vendor, the Cooperative did not verify the vendor’s
suspension and debarment status prior to payment.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance regarding suspension and debarment were isolated to
fiscal year 2023.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper
system of internal control and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement
procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended,
debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards.
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants
Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-022-PN01, 20611-022-PN01,
21611-022-PN01, 22611-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01, 20619-022-PN01, 21619-022-
PN01, 22619-022-PN01, 22611-022-ARP, 23611-022-PN01
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Reporting
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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."
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. . . ."
34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program
requirements."
Condition: The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented adequate
policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were submitted accurately and agreed
to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight, review, and approval process in place;
however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that proper procedures were followed.
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.
FINDING 2023-005 (Continued)
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, amounts requested for reimbursement could not
be traced to the Cooperative’s ledgers for expenditures.
Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of
future federal funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Greene-Sullivan Special Education
Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2021-2022, the Cooperative operated the special
education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant
agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the
School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative.
However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure
compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement.
The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative
complied with the reporting requirements. The Cooperative had not designed or implemented
adequate policies or procedures to determine that requests for reimbursement were
submitted accurately and agreed to supporting documentation. There was a documented oversight,
review, and approval process in place; however, the Cooperative did not adequately ensure that
proper procedures were followed. For fiscal year 2022, 51 Reimbursement Reports were tested. 14
Reimbursement Reports could not be traced to unit ledgers for expenditures, and 21 Reports did not
have appropriate supporting documentation. For fiscal year 2023, 23 Reimbursement Reports were
tested. Three Reimbursements Report did not agree to supporting documentation, and key line
items could not be verified.
The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period.
Identification as a repeat finding: No
Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a
proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure supporting
documentation is used and retained for all reimbursement requests submitted.
fficials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2023-006
Information on the federal program:
Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements
Federal Agency: Department of Education
Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund
Assistance Listing Number: 84.425U
Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013
Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education
Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements
Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion
Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part:
"The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance
that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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)(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). Finding 2023-006 (Continued)
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.. . .”
Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to
ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions
– Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirements. The School Corporation did not include Davis Bacon
wage rate requirements in its contract with vendor which includes labor. The School Corporation did not
obtain the weekly payroll reports certifications from a construction company and its subcontractors for a
building project.
Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure
compliance with the compliance requirements listed above.
Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material
noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and
Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal
funds to the School Corporation.
Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified.
Context: The School Corporation expended $556,865 during the audit period on a construction project to
expand the cafeteria which was charged to the ESSER III grant award (84.425U) and approved through
the grant application with the Indiana Department of Education. The construction contract did not include a
Davis-Bacon clause prescribing federal wage rate requirements required for construction contracts. The
School Corporation did not have an internal control designed to collect the weekly payroll reports
certifications from the construction company and its subcontractors, as applicable, for the construction
project to verify prevailing wages were being paid during the project period. Therefore, no review was
performed by management to ensure that pay rates complied with the federal wage rate requirements. The
construction payments represented approximately 22.5% of the Education Stabilization Fund
disbursements for the period under audit.
Identification as a repeat finding: No.
Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation include Davis-Bacon wage requirements in
construction contracts which are federally funded and implement a formal process to ensure the required
weekly payroll report certifications are collected and reviewed by management to ensure compliance with
the federal wage rate requirements. Finding 2023-006 (Continued)
Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding
and has prepared a corrective action plan.