Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Management should have controls over federal reporting and special test and provisions requirements to ensure reports are submitted to the federal agency as required in the terms and conditions of the awards.
Condition/Context: Annual reports were not completed and submitted to the federal agency as required by the terms and conditions of the award and there is no effective internal control to ensure these reports are completed and submitted timely. Therefore, we were unable to obtain evidence from these reports if key personnel were involved in the program.
Questioned Costs: None.
Cause: Due to staffing resource constraints.
Effect: Noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and UG.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Management should have controls over federal reporting and special test and provisions requirements to ensure reports are submitted to the federal agency as required in the terms and conditions of the awards.
Condition/Context: Annual reports were not completed and submitted to the federal agency as required by the terms and conditions of the award and there is no effective internal control to ensure these reports are completed and submitted timely. Therefore, we were unable to obtain evidence from these reports if key personnel were involved in the program.
Questioned Costs: None.
Cause: Due to staffing resource constraints.
Effect: Noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and UG.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Management should have controls over federal reporting and special test and provisions requirements to ensure reports are submitted to the federal agency as required in the terms and conditions of the awards.
Condition/Context: Annual reports were not completed and submitted to the federal agency as required by the terms and conditions of the award and there is no effective internal control to ensure these reports are completed and submitted timely. Therefore, we were unable to obtain evidence from these reports if key personnel were involved in the program.
Questioned Costs: None.
Cause: Due to staffing resource constraints.
Effect: Noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and UG.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Management should have controls over federal reporting and special test and provisions requirements to ensure reports are submitted to the federal agency as required in the terms and conditions of the awards.
Condition/Context: Annual reports were not completed and submitted to the federal agency as required by the terms and conditions of the award and there is no effective internal control to ensure these reports are completed and submitted timely. Therefore, we were unable to obtain evidence from these reports if key personnel were involved in the program.
Questioned Costs: None.
Cause: Due to staffing resource constraints.
Effect: Noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and UG.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Management should have controls over federal reporting and special test and provisions requirements to ensure reports are submitted to the federal agency as required in the terms and conditions of the awards.
Condition/Context: Annual reports were not completed and submitted to the federal agency as required by the terms and conditions of the award and there is no effective internal control to ensure these reports are completed and submitted timely. Therefore, we were unable to obtain evidence from these reports if key personnel were involved in the program.
Questioned Costs: None.
Cause: Due to staffing resource constraints.
Effect: Noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and UG.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Management should have controls over federal reporting and special test and provisions requirements to ensure reports are submitted to the federal agency as required in the terms and conditions of the awards.
Condition/Context: Annual reports were not completed and submitted to the federal agency as required by the terms and conditions of the award and there is no effective internal control to ensure these reports are completed and submitted timely. Therefore, we were unable to obtain evidence from these reports if key personnel were involved in the program.
Questioned Costs: None.
Cause: Due to staffing resource constraints.
Effect: Noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and UG.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.414 Indirect Costs, any nonfederal entity that does not have current negotiated rate and elects the 10% de minimis rate must be applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) indefinitely and in accordance with 2 CFR 200 UG, costs of compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy the specific requirements of the UG, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the nonfederal entity consistently applied to both federal and nonfederal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a nonfederal entity's laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in accordance with the UG, Standards for Documentation of Personnel Expenses, when applicable.
Charges to federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed.
These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the nonfederal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the nonfederal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the nonfederal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the nonfederal entity; and (vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a federal award and nonfederal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where an indirect rate of 17.5 percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate approved in the budgets. Additionally, we were unable to obtain evidence of federal approval of a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages as follows:
• POE & RDC - For 4 of the 4 months tested, 17.5 percent of indirect rate was charged to various awards instead of the 10 percent de minimis rate.
• POE - For 12 of the 36 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
• RDC - For 22 of the 22 items tested, we noted a 1.8 percent administration fee charged to gross wages.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Failure to comply with 2 CFR 200 can lead to improper payments charged to programs.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure the 10 percent de minimis rate is properly applied in accordance with UG and ensure appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education (POE) Research and Development Cluster (RDC)
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954 (POE) 15.608 and 15.945 (RDC)
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024 (POE) September 2019 through January 2024 (RDC)
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR 2022.1 Definitions – Period of Performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
2 CFR 200.458 Pre-Awards Costs. Pre-award costs are those incurred prior to the effective date of the Federal award or subaward directly pursuant to the negotiation and in anticipation of the federal award where such costs are necessary for efficient and timely performance of the scope of work. Such costs are allowable only to the extent that they would have been allowable if incurred after the date of the federal award and only with the written approval of the federal awarding agency. If charged to the award, these costs must be charged to the initial budget period of the award, unless otherwise specified by the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Condition/Context: We noted instances where costs were charged to federal awards outside the period of performance with no evidence of approval by the federal agency as follows:
• POE - For 5 of the 7 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
• RDC - For 3 of the 12 items tested, we noted costs were charged outside the period of performance.
Questioned Costs: None greater than $25,000 per major program.
Cause: Not aware of the requirements.
Effect: Noncompliance with federal awards terms and conditions including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management incorporate review control procedures to ensure all costs are approved, within the period of performance, and charged in accordance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Management should have controls over federal reporting and special test and provisions requirements to ensure reports are submitted to the federal agency as required in the terms and conditions of the awards.
Condition/Context: Annual reports were not completed and submitted to the federal agency as required by the terms and conditions of the award and there is no effective internal control to ensure these reports are completed and submitted timely. Therefore, we were unable to obtain evidence from these reports if key personnel were involved in the program.
Questioned Costs: None.
Cause: Due to staffing resource constraints.
Effect: Noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and UG.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Management should have controls over federal reporting and special test and provisions requirements to ensure reports are submitted to the federal agency as required in the terms and conditions of the awards.
Condition/Context: Annual reports were not completed and submitted to the federal agency as required by the terms and conditions of the award and there is no effective internal control to ensure these reports are completed and submitted timely. Therefore, we were unable to obtain evidence from these reports if key personnel were involved in the program.
Questioned Costs: None.
Cause: Due to staffing resource constraints.
Effect: Noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and UG.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Management should have controls over federal reporting and special test and provisions requirements to ensure reports are submitted to the federal agency as required in the terms and conditions of the awards.
Condition/Context: Annual reports were not completed and submitted to the federal agency as required by the terms and conditions of the award and there is no effective internal control to ensure these reports are completed and submitted timely. Therefore, we were unable to obtain evidence from these reports if key personnel were involved in the program.
Questioned Costs: None.
Cause: Due to staffing resource constraints.
Effect: Noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and UG.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Management should have controls over federal reporting and special test and provisions requirements to ensure reports are submitted to the federal agency as required in the terms and conditions of the awards.
Condition/Context: Annual reports were not completed and submitted to the federal agency as required by the terms and conditions of the award and there is no effective internal control to ensure these reports are completed and submitted timely. Therefore, we were unable to obtain evidence from these reports if key personnel were involved in the program.
Questioned Costs: None.
Cause: Due to staffing resource constraints.
Effect: Noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and UG.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Management should have controls over federal reporting and special test and provisions requirements to ensure reports are submitted to the federal agency as required in the terms and conditions of the awards.
Condition/Context: Annual reports were not completed and submitted to the federal agency as required by the terms and conditions of the award and there is no effective internal control to ensure these reports are completed and submitted timely. Therefore, we were unable to obtain evidence from these reports if key personnel were involved in the program.
Questioned Costs: None.
Cause: Due to staffing resource constraints.
Effect: Noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and UG.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Interior
Federal Program Name: National Park Service Conservation, Protection, Outreach, and Education
Assistance Listing Number: 15.954
Award Period: June 2020 through August 2024
Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a Statistically Valid Sample.
Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Management should have controls over federal reporting and special test and provisions requirements to ensure reports are submitted to the federal agency as required in the terms and conditions of the awards.
Condition/Context: Annual reports were not completed and submitted to the federal agency as required by the terms and conditions of the award and there is no effective internal control to ensure these reports are completed and submitted timely. Therefore, we were unable to obtain evidence from these reports if key personnel were involved in the program.
Questioned Costs: None.
Cause: Due to staffing resource constraints.
Effect: Noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and UG.
Repeat Finding: No
Recommendation: We recommend management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with UG.
Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See corrective action plan.