Federal Aid Policies Finding 2023-002
Condition: The Authority’s management has completely turned over and been restructured. However, the Authority’s policies for federal aid approved in 2021 have not been revised to update for the current management structure. The policies have also not been updated for changes in the 2 CFR 200 that have occurred.
Criteria: The 2 CFR 200 requires the adoption of federal aid policies and that they are to be updated and maintained in accordance with the federal regulations. These policies include the following along with the 2 CFR 200 reference.
a. Cash Management Procedure –200.302(b)(6) and 200.305
b. Cost Allowability Procedures –200.302(b)(7)
c. Conflicts of Interest Policy –200.318(c)
d. Procurement Procedures –200.318(a) and 200.319(d)
e. Method for Conducting Technical Evaluations of Proposals and Selecting Recipients –200.320(b)(2)(ii)
f. Travel Policy –200.475(a)
g. Procedures for Managing Equipment –200.313(d)
h. Employee Benefits –200.431
Cause: The Authority has experienced a high turnover of employees since 2021 when the policies were adopted and have not been reviewed since their adoption.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update all federal aid policies and implement procedures to ensure that they are being reviewed at least once a year for changes in the Authority’s management structure or changes that occur in the 2 CFR 200.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will update their federal policies to comply with 2 CFR 200 and will review all policies on an annual basis going forward.
Federal Aid Policies Finding 2023-002
Condition: The Authority’s management has completely turned over and been restructured. However, the Authority’s policies for federal aid approved in 2021 have not been revised to update for the current management structure. The policies have also not been updated for changes in the 2 CFR 200 that have occurred.
Criteria: The 2 CFR 200 requires the adoption of federal aid policies and that they are to be updated and maintained in accordance with the federal regulations. These policies include the following along with the 2 CFR 200 reference.
a. Cash Management Procedure –200.302(b)(6) and 200.305
b. Cost Allowability Procedures –200.302(b)(7)
c. Conflicts of Interest Policy –200.318(c)
d. Procurement Procedures –200.318(a) and 200.319(d)
e. Method for Conducting Technical Evaluations of Proposals and Selecting Recipients –200.320(b)(2)(ii)
f. Travel Policy –200.475(a)
g. Procedures for Managing Equipment –200.313(d)
h. Employee Benefits –200.431
Cause: The Authority has experienced a high turnover of employees since 2021 when the policies were adopted and have not been reviewed since their adoption.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update all federal aid policies and implement procedures to ensure that they are being reviewed at least once a year for changes in the Authority’s management structure or changes that occur in the 2 CFR 200.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will update their federal policies to comply with 2 CFR 200 and will review all policies on an annual basis going forward.
Federal Aid Policies Finding 2023-002
Condition: The Authority’s management has completely turned over and been restructured. However, the Authority’s policies for federal aid approved in 2021 have not been revised to update for the current management structure. The policies have also not been updated for changes in the 2 CFR 200 that have occurred.
Criteria: The 2 CFR 200 requires the adoption of federal aid policies and that they are to be updated and maintained in accordance with the federal regulations. These policies include the following along with the 2 CFR 200 reference.
a. Cash Management Procedure –200.302(b)(6) and 200.305
b. Cost Allowability Procedures –200.302(b)(7)
c. Conflicts of Interest Policy –200.318(c)
d. Procurement Procedures –200.318(a) and 200.319(d)
e. Method for Conducting Technical Evaluations of Proposals and Selecting Recipients –200.320(b)(2)(ii)
f. Travel Policy –200.475(a)
g. Procedures for Managing Equipment –200.313(d)
h. Employee Benefits –200.431
Cause: The Authority has experienced a high turnover of employees since 2021 when the policies were adopted and have not been reviewed since their adoption.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update all federal aid policies and implement procedures to ensure that they are being reviewed at least once a year for changes in the Authority’s management structure or changes that occur in the 2 CFR 200.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will update their federal policies to comply with 2 CFR 200 and will review all policies on an annual basis going forward.
Federal Aid Policies Finding 2023-002
Condition: The Authority’s management has completely turned over and been restructured. However, the Authority’s policies for federal aid approved in 2021 have not been revised to update for the current management structure. The policies have also not been updated for changes in the 2 CFR 200 that have occurred.
Criteria: The 2 CFR 200 requires the adoption of federal aid policies and that they are to be updated and maintained in accordance with the federal regulations. These policies include the following along with the 2 CFR 200 reference.
a. Cash Management Procedure –200.302(b)(6) and 200.305
b. Cost Allowability Procedures –200.302(b)(7)
c. Conflicts of Interest Policy –200.318(c)
d. Procurement Procedures –200.318(a) and 200.319(d)
e. Method for Conducting Technical Evaluations of Proposals and Selecting Recipients –200.320(b)(2)(ii)
f. Travel Policy –200.475(a)
g. Procedures for Managing Equipment –200.313(d)
h. Employee Benefits –200.431
Cause: The Authority has experienced a high turnover of employees since 2021 when the policies were adopted and have not been reviewed since their adoption.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update all federal aid policies and implement procedures to ensure that they are being reviewed at least once a year for changes in the Authority’s management structure or changes that occur in the 2 CFR 200.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will update their federal policies to comply with 2 CFR 200 and will review all policies on an annual basis going forward.
Federal Aid Policies Finding 2023-002
Condition: The Authority’s management has completely turned over and been restructured. However, the Authority’s policies for federal aid approved in 2021 have not been revised to update for the current management structure. The policies have also not been updated for changes in the 2 CFR 200 that have occurred.
Criteria: The 2 CFR 200 requires the adoption of federal aid policies and that they are to be updated and maintained in accordance with the federal regulations. These policies include the following along with the 2 CFR 200 reference.
a. Cash Management Procedure –200.302(b)(6) and 200.305
b. Cost Allowability Procedures –200.302(b)(7)
c. Conflicts of Interest Policy –200.318(c)
d. Procurement Procedures –200.318(a) and 200.319(d)
e. Method for Conducting Technical Evaluations of Proposals and Selecting Recipients –200.320(b)(2)(ii)
f. Travel Policy –200.475(a)
g. Procedures for Managing Equipment –200.313(d)
h. Employee Benefits –200.431
Cause: The Authority has experienced a high turnover of employees since 2021 when the policies were adopted and have not been reviewed since their adoption.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update all federal aid policies and implement procedures to ensure that they are being reviewed at least once a year for changes in the Authority’s management structure or changes that occur in the 2 CFR 200.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will update their federal policies to comply with 2 CFR 200 and will review all policies on an annual basis going forward.
Failure to Follow Procurement Policy Finding 2023-003
Condition: The Authority did not comply with the current procurement policy as procedures were not fully followed and forms required by the Authority’s procurement policy were not completed. The following forms required by either 2 CFR 200 and/or the Authority’s own procurement policy were not completed for the current year capital asset purchases: Written Record of Procurement Checklist Form, Method of Procurement Decision Matrix, Advertisement and Solicitation Form, Bid Quotations, Fewer Than 3 Offers Received Evaluation if applicable, Proposal Tabulation, Certification of Compliance with Federal Clauses for the assets less than $25,000, and Responsibility Determination (sam.gov debarred verification). Also, as stated in the prior finding, the procurement policy needs to be updated.
Criteria: According to 2 CFR 200.214 Suspension and Debarment, Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
The following excerpts are from 2 CFR Part 200.318 General Procurement Standards.
(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327.
(i) the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
According to 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be Followed, the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
Concurrently, the Authority’s did not comply with its own current procurement policy as it did not follow or prepare the required documentation detailed in the following sections.
Procurement Requests-The Authority will maintain sufficient records to detail the history of a procurement. Such records shall include method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection (or rejection), and the contract price. The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as nonresponsible and ineligible for contract award.
Debarment and Suspension- The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as non-responsible and ineligible for contract awards. To see if a prospective contractor is eligible, we will look on the website www.SAM.gov and when the bid has been received.
Methods of Procurement-
a. Micro and Emergency Purchases (do not exceed $10,000)-(a) A written determination as to why price is deemed fair and reasonable must be on file with each purchase made under this method of procurement using Micro-Purchase Price Reasonableness Determination Form. (b) Splitting of procurements to avoid the competitive procurement requirements of federal and state statues shall not be condoned.
b. Small Purchase Procurement ($10,000 to $250,000)-(a) A minimum of two price or rate quotations shall be obtained from qualified sources; (b) The procurement will be made from the lowest priced qualified bid, if products or goods are equal; (c) MDOT requires for procurements under $25,000.00. Included Procurement Appendix A, B, E, F, G, H, or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. (d) MDOT requires for procurements over $25,000.00 solicitations, including specifications and written selection procedures (lowest bids), Include Procurement Appendix A, F, G, H or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. Third Party Contracts with applicable clauses and bond documents must be included.
Cause: The Authority did not follow its own procurement policy.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200 and its own procurement policy.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update its procurement policy and implement procedures to ensure that the Authority is complying with the federal requirements, required forms are being completed, and documentation is being maintained.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will review and update its procurement policy to comply with federal requirements. The Authority’s management, consultant, and finance director will review the procedures in the policy to ensure they are being acted upon accordingly going forward.
Failure to Follow Procurement Policy Finding 2023-003
Condition: The Authority did not comply with the current procurement policy as procedures were not fully followed and forms required by the Authority’s procurement policy were not completed. The following forms required by either 2 CFR 200 and/or the Authority’s own procurement policy were not completed for the current year capital asset purchases: Written Record of Procurement Checklist Form, Method of Procurement Decision Matrix, Advertisement and Solicitation Form, Bid Quotations, Fewer Than 3 Offers Received Evaluation if applicable, Proposal Tabulation, Certification of Compliance with Federal Clauses for the assets less than $25,000, and Responsibility Determination (sam.gov debarred verification). Also, as stated in the prior finding, the procurement policy needs to be updated.
Criteria: According to 2 CFR 200.214 Suspension and Debarment, Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
The following excerpts are from 2 CFR Part 200.318 General Procurement Standards.
(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327.
(i) the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
According to 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be Followed, the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
Concurrently, the Authority’s did not comply with its own current procurement policy as it did not follow or prepare the required documentation detailed in the following sections.
Procurement Requests-The Authority will maintain sufficient records to detail the history of a procurement. Such records shall include method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection (or rejection), and the contract price. The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as nonresponsible and ineligible for contract award.
Debarment and Suspension- The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as non-responsible and ineligible for contract awards. To see if a prospective contractor is eligible, we will look on the website www.SAM.gov and when the bid has been received.
Methods of Procurement-
a. Micro and Emergency Purchases (do not exceed $10,000)-(a) A written determination as to why price is deemed fair and reasonable must be on file with each purchase made under this method of procurement using Micro-Purchase Price Reasonableness Determination Form. (b) Splitting of procurements to avoid the competitive procurement requirements of federal and state statues shall not be condoned.
b. Small Purchase Procurement ($10,000 to $250,000)-(a) A minimum of two price or rate quotations shall be obtained from qualified sources; (b) The procurement will be made from the lowest priced qualified bid, if products or goods are equal; (c) MDOT requires for procurements under $25,000.00. Included Procurement Appendix A, B, E, F, G, H, or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. (d) MDOT requires for procurements over $25,000.00 solicitations, including specifications and written selection procedures (lowest bids), Include Procurement Appendix A, F, G, H or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. Third Party Contracts with applicable clauses and bond documents must be included.
Cause: The Authority did not follow its own procurement policy.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200 and its own procurement policy.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update its procurement policy and implement procedures to ensure that the Authority is complying with the federal requirements, required forms are being completed, and documentation is being maintained.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will review and update its procurement policy to comply with federal requirements. The Authority’s management, consultant, and finance director will review the procedures in the policy to ensure they are being acted upon accordingly going forward.
Failure to Follow Procurement Policy Finding 2023-003
Condition: The Authority did not comply with the current procurement policy as procedures were not fully followed and forms required by the Authority’s procurement policy were not completed. The following forms required by either 2 CFR 200 and/or the Authority’s own procurement policy were not completed for the current year capital asset purchases: Written Record of Procurement Checklist Form, Method of Procurement Decision Matrix, Advertisement and Solicitation Form, Bid Quotations, Fewer Than 3 Offers Received Evaluation if applicable, Proposal Tabulation, Certification of Compliance with Federal Clauses for the assets less than $25,000, and Responsibility Determination (sam.gov debarred verification). Also, as stated in the prior finding, the procurement policy needs to be updated.
Criteria: According to 2 CFR 200.214 Suspension and Debarment, Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
The following excerpts are from 2 CFR Part 200.318 General Procurement Standards.
(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327.
(i) the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
According to 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be Followed, the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
Concurrently, the Authority’s did not comply with its own current procurement policy as it did not follow or prepare the required documentation detailed in the following sections.
Procurement Requests-The Authority will maintain sufficient records to detail the history of a procurement. Such records shall include method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection (or rejection), and the contract price. The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as nonresponsible and ineligible for contract award.
Debarment and Suspension- The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as non-responsible and ineligible for contract awards. To see if a prospective contractor is eligible, we will look on the website www.SAM.gov and when the bid has been received.
Methods of Procurement-
a. Micro and Emergency Purchases (do not exceed $10,000)-(a) A written determination as to why price is deemed fair and reasonable must be on file with each purchase made under this method of procurement using Micro-Purchase Price Reasonableness Determination Form. (b) Splitting of procurements to avoid the competitive procurement requirements of federal and state statues shall not be condoned.
b. Small Purchase Procurement ($10,000 to $250,000)-(a) A minimum of two price or rate quotations shall be obtained from qualified sources; (b) The procurement will be made from the lowest priced qualified bid, if products or goods are equal; (c) MDOT requires for procurements under $25,000.00. Included Procurement Appendix A, B, E, F, G, H, or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. (d) MDOT requires for procurements over $25,000.00 solicitations, including specifications and written selection procedures (lowest bids), Include Procurement Appendix A, F, G, H or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. Third Party Contracts with applicable clauses and bond documents must be included.
Cause: The Authority did not follow its own procurement policy.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200 and its own procurement policy.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update its procurement policy and implement procedures to ensure that the Authority is complying with the federal requirements, required forms are being completed, and documentation is being maintained.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will review and update its procurement policy to comply with federal requirements. The Authority’s management, consultant, and finance director will review the procedures in the policy to ensure they are being acted upon accordingly going forward.
Failure to Follow Procurement Policy Finding 2023-003
Condition: The Authority did not comply with the current procurement policy as procedures were not fully followed and forms required by the Authority’s procurement policy were not completed. The following forms required by either 2 CFR 200 and/or the Authority’s own procurement policy were not completed for the current year capital asset purchases: Written Record of Procurement Checklist Form, Method of Procurement Decision Matrix, Advertisement and Solicitation Form, Bid Quotations, Fewer Than 3 Offers Received Evaluation if applicable, Proposal Tabulation, Certification of Compliance with Federal Clauses for the assets less than $25,000, and Responsibility Determination (sam.gov debarred verification). Also, as stated in the prior finding, the procurement policy needs to be updated.
Criteria: According to 2 CFR 200.214 Suspension and Debarment, Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
The following excerpts are from 2 CFR Part 200.318 General Procurement Standards.
(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327.
(i) the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
According to 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be Followed, the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
Concurrently, the Authority’s did not comply with its own current procurement policy as it did not follow or prepare the required documentation detailed in the following sections.
Procurement Requests-The Authority will maintain sufficient records to detail the history of a procurement. Such records shall include method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection (or rejection), and the contract price. The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as nonresponsible and ineligible for contract award.
Debarment and Suspension- The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as non-responsible and ineligible for contract awards. To see if a prospective contractor is eligible, we will look on the website www.SAM.gov and when the bid has been received.
Methods of Procurement-
a. Micro and Emergency Purchases (do not exceed $10,000)-(a) A written determination as to why price is deemed fair and reasonable must be on file with each purchase made under this method of procurement using Micro-Purchase Price Reasonableness Determination Form. (b) Splitting of procurements to avoid the competitive procurement requirements of federal and state statues shall not be condoned.
b. Small Purchase Procurement ($10,000 to $250,000)-(a) A minimum of two price or rate quotations shall be obtained from qualified sources; (b) The procurement will be made from the lowest priced qualified bid, if products or goods are equal; (c) MDOT requires for procurements under $25,000.00. Included Procurement Appendix A, B, E, F, G, H, or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. (d) MDOT requires for procurements over $25,000.00 solicitations, including specifications and written selection procedures (lowest bids), Include Procurement Appendix A, F, G, H or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. Third Party Contracts with applicable clauses and bond documents must be included.
Cause: The Authority did not follow its own procurement policy.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200 and its own procurement policy.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update its procurement policy and implement procedures to ensure that the Authority is complying with the federal requirements, required forms are being completed, and documentation is being maintained.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will review and update its procurement policy to comply with federal requirements. The Authority’s management, consultant, and finance director will review the procedures in the policy to ensure they are being acted upon accordingly going forward.
Failure to Follow Procurement Policy Finding 2023-003
Condition: The Authority did not comply with the current procurement policy as procedures were not fully followed and forms required by the Authority’s procurement policy were not completed. The following forms required by either 2 CFR 200 and/or the Authority’s own procurement policy were not completed for the current year capital asset purchases: Written Record of Procurement Checklist Form, Method of Procurement Decision Matrix, Advertisement and Solicitation Form, Bid Quotations, Fewer Than 3 Offers Received Evaluation if applicable, Proposal Tabulation, Certification of Compliance with Federal Clauses for the assets less than $25,000, and Responsibility Determination (sam.gov debarred verification). Also, as stated in the prior finding, the procurement policy needs to be updated.
Criteria: According to 2 CFR 200.214 Suspension and Debarment, Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
The following excerpts are from 2 CFR Part 200.318 General Procurement Standards.
(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327.
(i) the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
According to 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be Followed, the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
Concurrently, the Authority’s did not comply with its own current procurement policy as it did not follow or prepare the required documentation detailed in the following sections.
Procurement Requests-The Authority will maintain sufficient records to detail the history of a procurement. Such records shall include method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection (or rejection), and the contract price. The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as nonresponsible and ineligible for contract award.
Debarment and Suspension- The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as non-responsible and ineligible for contract awards. To see if a prospective contractor is eligible, we will look on the website www.SAM.gov and when the bid has been received.
Methods of Procurement-
a. Micro and Emergency Purchases (do not exceed $10,000)-(a) A written determination as to why price is deemed fair and reasonable must be on file with each purchase made under this method of procurement using Micro-Purchase Price Reasonableness Determination Form. (b) Splitting of procurements to avoid the competitive procurement requirements of federal and state statues shall not be condoned.
b. Small Purchase Procurement ($10,000 to $250,000)-(a) A minimum of two price or rate quotations shall be obtained from qualified sources; (b) The procurement will be made from the lowest priced qualified bid, if products or goods are equal; (c) MDOT requires for procurements under $25,000.00. Included Procurement Appendix A, B, E, F, G, H, or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. (d) MDOT requires for procurements over $25,000.00 solicitations, including specifications and written selection procedures (lowest bids), Include Procurement Appendix A, F, G, H or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. Third Party Contracts with applicable clauses and bond documents must be included.
Cause: The Authority did not follow its own procurement policy.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200 and its own procurement policy.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update its procurement policy and implement procedures to ensure that the Authority is complying with the federal requirements, required forms are being completed, and documentation is being maintained.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will review and update its procurement policy to comply with federal requirements. The Authority’s management, consultant, and finance director will review the procedures in the policy to ensure they are being acted upon accordingly going forward.
Federal Aid Policies Finding 2023-002
Condition: The Authority’s management has completely turned over and been restructured. However, the Authority’s policies for federal aid approved in 2021 have not been revised to update for the current management structure. The policies have also not been updated for changes in the 2 CFR 200 that have occurred.
Criteria: The 2 CFR 200 requires the adoption of federal aid policies and that they are to be updated and maintained in accordance with the federal regulations. These policies include the following along with the 2 CFR 200 reference.
a. Cash Management Procedure –200.302(b)(6) and 200.305
b. Cost Allowability Procedures –200.302(b)(7)
c. Conflicts of Interest Policy –200.318(c)
d. Procurement Procedures –200.318(a) and 200.319(d)
e. Method for Conducting Technical Evaluations of Proposals and Selecting Recipients –200.320(b)(2)(ii)
f. Travel Policy –200.475(a)
g. Procedures for Managing Equipment –200.313(d)
h. Employee Benefits –200.431
Cause: The Authority has experienced a high turnover of employees since 2021 when the policies were adopted and have not been reviewed since their adoption.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update all federal aid policies and implement procedures to ensure that they are being reviewed at least once a year for changes in the Authority’s management structure or changes that occur in the 2 CFR 200.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will update their federal policies to comply with 2 CFR 200 and will review all policies on an annual basis going forward.
Federal Aid Policies Finding 2023-002
Condition: The Authority’s management has completely turned over and been restructured. However, the Authority’s policies for federal aid approved in 2021 have not been revised to update for the current management structure. The policies have also not been updated for changes in the 2 CFR 200 that have occurred.
Criteria: The 2 CFR 200 requires the adoption of federal aid policies and that they are to be updated and maintained in accordance with the federal regulations. These policies include the following along with the 2 CFR 200 reference.
a. Cash Management Procedure –200.302(b)(6) and 200.305
b. Cost Allowability Procedures –200.302(b)(7)
c. Conflicts of Interest Policy –200.318(c)
d. Procurement Procedures –200.318(a) and 200.319(d)
e. Method for Conducting Technical Evaluations of Proposals and Selecting Recipients –200.320(b)(2)(ii)
f. Travel Policy –200.475(a)
g. Procedures for Managing Equipment –200.313(d)
h. Employee Benefits –200.431
Cause: The Authority has experienced a high turnover of employees since 2021 when the policies were adopted and have not been reviewed since their adoption.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update all federal aid policies and implement procedures to ensure that they are being reviewed at least once a year for changes in the Authority’s management structure or changes that occur in the 2 CFR 200.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will update their federal policies to comply with 2 CFR 200 and will review all policies on an annual basis going forward.
Federal Aid Policies Finding 2023-002
Condition: The Authority’s management has completely turned over and been restructured. However, the Authority’s policies for federal aid approved in 2021 have not been revised to update for the current management structure. The policies have also not been updated for changes in the 2 CFR 200 that have occurred.
Criteria: The 2 CFR 200 requires the adoption of federal aid policies and that they are to be updated and maintained in accordance with the federal regulations. These policies include the following along with the 2 CFR 200 reference.
a. Cash Management Procedure –200.302(b)(6) and 200.305
b. Cost Allowability Procedures –200.302(b)(7)
c. Conflicts of Interest Policy –200.318(c)
d. Procurement Procedures –200.318(a) and 200.319(d)
e. Method for Conducting Technical Evaluations of Proposals and Selecting Recipients –200.320(b)(2)(ii)
f. Travel Policy –200.475(a)
g. Procedures for Managing Equipment –200.313(d)
h. Employee Benefits –200.431
Cause: The Authority has experienced a high turnover of employees since 2021 when the policies were adopted and have not been reviewed since their adoption.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update all federal aid policies and implement procedures to ensure that they are being reviewed at least once a year for changes in the Authority’s management structure or changes that occur in the 2 CFR 200.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will update their federal policies to comply with 2 CFR 200 and will review all policies on an annual basis going forward.
Federal Aid Policies Finding 2023-002
Condition: The Authority’s management has completely turned over and been restructured. However, the Authority’s policies for federal aid approved in 2021 have not been revised to update for the current management structure. The policies have also not been updated for changes in the 2 CFR 200 that have occurred.
Criteria: The 2 CFR 200 requires the adoption of federal aid policies and that they are to be updated and maintained in accordance with the federal regulations. These policies include the following along with the 2 CFR 200 reference.
a. Cash Management Procedure –200.302(b)(6) and 200.305
b. Cost Allowability Procedures –200.302(b)(7)
c. Conflicts of Interest Policy –200.318(c)
d. Procurement Procedures –200.318(a) and 200.319(d)
e. Method for Conducting Technical Evaluations of Proposals and Selecting Recipients –200.320(b)(2)(ii)
f. Travel Policy –200.475(a)
g. Procedures for Managing Equipment –200.313(d)
h. Employee Benefits –200.431
Cause: The Authority has experienced a high turnover of employees since 2021 when the policies were adopted and have not been reviewed since their adoption.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update all federal aid policies and implement procedures to ensure that they are being reviewed at least once a year for changes in the Authority’s management structure or changes that occur in the 2 CFR 200.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will update their federal policies to comply with 2 CFR 200 and will review all policies on an annual basis going forward.
Federal Aid Policies Finding 2023-002
Condition: The Authority’s management has completely turned over and been restructured. However, the Authority’s policies for federal aid approved in 2021 have not been revised to update for the current management structure. The policies have also not been updated for changes in the 2 CFR 200 that have occurred.
Criteria: The 2 CFR 200 requires the adoption of federal aid policies and that they are to be updated and maintained in accordance with the federal regulations. These policies include the following along with the 2 CFR 200 reference.
a. Cash Management Procedure –200.302(b)(6) and 200.305
b. Cost Allowability Procedures –200.302(b)(7)
c. Conflicts of Interest Policy –200.318(c)
d. Procurement Procedures –200.318(a) and 200.319(d)
e. Method for Conducting Technical Evaluations of Proposals and Selecting Recipients –200.320(b)(2)(ii)
f. Travel Policy –200.475(a)
g. Procedures for Managing Equipment –200.313(d)
h. Employee Benefits –200.431
Cause: The Authority has experienced a high turnover of employees since 2021 when the policies were adopted and have not been reviewed since their adoption.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update all federal aid policies and implement procedures to ensure that they are being reviewed at least once a year for changes in the Authority’s management structure or changes that occur in the 2 CFR 200.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will update their federal policies to comply with 2 CFR 200 and will review all policies on an annual basis going forward.
Failure to Follow Procurement Policy Finding 2023-003
Condition: The Authority did not comply with the current procurement policy as procedures were not fully followed and forms required by the Authority’s procurement policy were not completed. The following forms required by either 2 CFR 200 and/or the Authority’s own procurement policy were not completed for the current year capital asset purchases: Written Record of Procurement Checklist Form, Method of Procurement Decision Matrix, Advertisement and Solicitation Form, Bid Quotations, Fewer Than 3 Offers Received Evaluation if applicable, Proposal Tabulation, Certification of Compliance with Federal Clauses for the assets less than $25,000, and Responsibility Determination (sam.gov debarred verification). Also, as stated in the prior finding, the procurement policy needs to be updated.
Criteria: According to 2 CFR 200.214 Suspension and Debarment, Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
The following excerpts are from 2 CFR Part 200.318 General Procurement Standards.
(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327.
(i) the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
According to 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be Followed, the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
Concurrently, the Authority’s did not comply with its own current procurement policy as it did not follow or prepare the required documentation detailed in the following sections.
Procurement Requests-The Authority will maintain sufficient records to detail the history of a procurement. Such records shall include method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection (or rejection), and the contract price. The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as nonresponsible and ineligible for contract award.
Debarment and Suspension- The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as non-responsible and ineligible for contract awards. To see if a prospective contractor is eligible, we will look on the website www.SAM.gov and when the bid has been received.
Methods of Procurement-
a. Micro and Emergency Purchases (do not exceed $10,000)-(a) A written determination as to why price is deemed fair and reasonable must be on file with each purchase made under this method of procurement using Micro-Purchase Price Reasonableness Determination Form. (b) Splitting of procurements to avoid the competitive procurement requirements of federal and state statues shall not be condoned.
b. Small Purchase Procurement ($10,000 to $250,000)-(a) A minimum of two price or rate quotations shall be obtained from qualified sources; (b) The procurement will be made from the lowest priced qualified bid, if products or goods are equal; (c) MDOT requires for procurements under $25,000.00. Included Procurement Appendix A, B, E, F, G, H, or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. (d) MDOT requires for procurements over $25,000.00 solicitations, including specifications and written selection procedures (lowest bids), Include Procurement Appendix A, F, G, H or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. Third Party Contracts with applicable clauses and bond documents must be included.
Cause: The Authority did not follow its own procurement policy.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200 and its own procurement policy.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update its procurement policy and implement procedures to ensure that the Authority is complying with the federal requirements, required forms are being completed, and documentation is being maintained.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will review and update its procurement policy to comply with federal requirements. The Authority’s management, consultant, and finance director will review the procedures in the policy to ensure they are being acted upon accordingly going forward.
Failure to Follow Procurement Policy Finding 2023-003
Condition: The Authority did not comply with the current procurement policy as procedures were not fully followed and forms required by the Authority’s procurement policy were not completed. The following forms required by either 2 CFR 200 and/or the Authority’s own procurement policy were not completed for the current year capital asset purchases: Written Record of Procurement Checklist Form, Method of Procurement Decision Matrix, Advertisement and Solicitation Form, Bid Quotations, Fewer Than 3 Offers Received Evaluation if applicable, Proposal Tabulation, Certification of Compliance with Federal Clauses for the assets less than $25,000, and Responsibility Determination (sam.gov debarred verification). Also, as stated in the prior finding, the procurement policy needs to be updated.
Criteria: According to 2 CFR 200.214 Suspension and Debarment, Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
The following excerpts are from 2 CFR Part 200.318 General Procurement Standards.
(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327.
(i) the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
According to 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be Followed, the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
Concurrently, the Authority’s did not comply with its own current procurement policy as it did not follow or prepare the required documentation detailed in the following sections.
Procurement Requests-The Authority will maintain sufficient records to detail the history of a procurement. Such records shall include method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection (or rejection), and the contract price. The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as nonresponsible and ineligible for contract award.
Debarment and Suspension- The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as non-responsible and ineligible for contract awards. To see if a prospective contractor is eligible, we will look on the website www.SAM.gov and when the bid has been received.
Methods of Procurement-
a. Micro and Emergency Purchases (do not exceed $10,000)-(a) A written determination as to why price is deemed fair and reasonable must be on file with each purchase made under this method of procurement using Micro-Purchase Price Reasonableness Determination Form. (b) Splitting of procurements to avoid the competitive procurement requirements of federal and state statues shall not be condoned.
b. Small Purchase Procurement ($10,000 to $250,000)-(a) A minimum of two price or rate quotations shall be obtained from qualified sources; (b) The procurement will be made from the lowest priced qualified bid, if products or goods are equal; (c) MDOT requires for procurements under $25,000.00. Included Procurement Appendix A, B, E, F, G, H, or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. (d) MDOT requires for procurements over $25,000.00 solicitations, including specifications and written selection procedures (lowest bids), Include Procurement Appendix A, F, G, H or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. Third Party Contracts with applicable clauses and bond documents must be included.
Cause: The Authority did not follow its own procurement policy.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200 and its own procurement policy.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update its procurement policy and implement procedures to ensure that the Authority is complying with the federal requirements, required forms are being completed, and documentation is being maintained.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will review and update its procurement policy to comply with federal requirements. The Authority’s management, consultant, and finance director will review the procedures in the policy to ensure they are being acted upon accordingly going forward.
Failure to Follow Procurement Policy Finding 2023-003
Condition: The Authority did not comply with the current procurement policy as procedures were not fully followed and forms required by the Authority’s procurement policy were not completed. The following forms required by either 2 CFR 200 and/or the Authority’s own procurement policy were not completed for the current year capital asset purchases: Written Record of Procurement Checklist Form, Method of Procurement Decision Matrix, Advertisement and Solicitation Form, Bid Quotations, Fewer Than 3 Offers Received Evaluation if applicable, Proposal Tabulation, Certification of Compliance with Federal Clauses for the assets less than $25,000, and Responsibility Determination (sam.gov debarred verification). Also, as stated in the prior finding, the procurement policy needs to be updated.
Criteria: According to 2 CFR 200.214 Suspension and Debarment, Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
The following excerpts are from 2 CFR Part 200.318 General Procurement Standards.
(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327.
(i) the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
According to 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be Followed, the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
Concurrently, the Authority’s did not comply with its own current procurement policy as it did not follow or prepare the required documentation detailed in the following sections.
Procurement Requests-The Authority will maintain sufficient records to detail the history of a procurement. Such records shall include method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection (or rejection), and the contract price. The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as nonresponsible and ineligible for contract award.
Debarment and Suspension- The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as non-responsible and ineligible for contract awards. To see if a prospective contractor is eligible, we will look on the website www.SAM.gov and when the bid has been received.
Methods of Procurement-
a. Micro and Emergency Purchases (do not exceed $10,000)-(a) A written determination as to why price is deemed fair and reasonable must be on file with each purchase made under this method of procurement using Micro-Purchase Price Reasonableness Determination Form. (b) Splitting of procurements to avoid the competitive procurement requirements of federal and state statues shall not be condoned.
b. Small Purchase Procurement ($10,000 to $250,000)-(a) A minimum of two price or rate quotations shall be obtained from qualified sources; (b) The procurement will be made from the lowest priced qualified bid, if products or goods are equal; (c) MDOT requires for procurements under $25,000.00. Included Procurement Appendix A, B, E, F, G, H, or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. (d) MDOT requires for procurements over $25,000.00 solicitations, including specifications and written selection procedures (lowest bids), Include Procurement Appendix A, F, G, H or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. Third Party Contracts with applicable clauses and bond documents must be included.
Cause: The Authority did not follow its own procurement policy.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200 and its own procurement policy.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update its procurement policy and implement procedures to ensure that the Authority is complying with the federal requirements, required forms are being completed, and documentation is being maintained.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will review and update its procurement policy to comply with federal requirements. The Authority’s management, consultant, and finance director will review the procedures in the policy to ensure they are being acted upon accordingly going forward.
Failure to Follow Procurement Policy Finding 2023-003
Condition: The Authority did not comply with the current procurement policy as procedures were not fully followed and forms required by the Authority’s procurement policy were not completed. The following forms required by either 2 CFR 200 and/or the Authority’s own procurement policy were not completed for the current year capital asset purchases: Written Record of Procurement Checklist Form, Method of Procurement Decision Matrix, Advertisement and Solicitation Form, Bid Quotations, Fewer Than 3 Offers Received Evaluation if applicable, Proposal Tabulation, Certification of Compliance with Federal Clauses for the assets less than $25,000, and Responsibility Determination (sam.gov debarred verification). Also, as stated in the prior finding, the procurement policy needs to be updated.
Criteria: According to 2 CFR 200.214 Suspension and Debarment, Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
The following excerpts are from 2 CFR Part 200.318 General Procurement Standards.
(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327.
(i) the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
According to 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be Followed, the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
Concurrently, the Authority’s did not comply with its own current procurement policy as it did not follow or prepare the required documentation detailed in the following sections.
Procurement Requests-The Authority will maintain sufficient records to detail the history of a procurement. Such records shall include method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection (or rejection), and the contract price. The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as nonresponsible and ineligible for contract award.
Debarment and Suspension- The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as non-responsible and ineligible for contract awards. To see if a prospective contractor is eligible, we will look on the website www.SAM.gov and when the bid has been received.
Methods of Procurement-
a. Micro and Emergency Purchases (do not exceed $10,000)-(a) A written determination as to why price is deemed fair and reasonable must be on file with each purchase made under this method of procurement using Micro-Purchase Price Reasonableness Determination Form. (b) Splitting of procurements to avoid the competitive procurement requirements of federal and state statues shall not be condoned.
b. Small Purchase Procurement ($10,000 to $250,000)-(a) A minimum of two price or rate quotations shall be obtained from qualified sources; (b) The procurement will be made from the lowest priced qualified bid, if products or goods are equal; (c) MDOT requires for procurements under $25,000.00. Included Procurement Appendix A, B, E, F, G, H, or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. (d) MDOT requires for procurements over $25,000.00 solicitations, including specifications and written selection procedures (lowest bids), Include Procurement Appendix A, F, G, H or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. Third Party Contracts with applicable clauses and bond documents must be included.
Cause: The Authority did not follow its own procurement policy.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200 and its own procurement policy.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update its procurement policy and implement procedures to ensure that the Authority is complying with the federal requirements, required forms are being completed, and documentation is being maintained.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will review and update its procurement policy to comply with federal requirements. The Authority’s management, consultant, and finance director will review the procedures in the policy to ensure they are being acted upon accordingly going forward.
Failure to Follow Procurement Policy Finding 2023-003
Condition: The Authority did not comply with the current procurement policy as procedures were not fully followed and forms required by the Authority’s procurement policy were not completed. The following forms required by either 2 CFR 200 and/or the Authority’s own procurement policy were not completed for the current year capital asset purchases: Written Record of Procurement Checklist Form, Method of Procurement Decision Matrix, Advertisement and Solicitation Form, Bid Quotations, Fewer Than 3 Offers Received Evaluation if applicable, Proposal Tabulation, Certification of Compliance with Federal Clauses for the assets less than $25,000, and Responsibility Determination (sam.gov debarred verification). Also, as stated in the prior finding, the procurement policy needs to be updated.
Criteria: According to 2 CFR 200.214 Suspension and Debarment, Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
The following excerpts are from 2 CFR Part 200.318 General Procurement Standards.
(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327.
(i) the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
According to 2 CFR 200.320 Methods of Procurement to be Followed, the non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
Concurrently, the Authority’s did not comply with its own current procurement policy as it did not follow or prepare the required documentation detailed in the following sections.
Procurement Requests-The Authority will maintain sufficient records to detail the history of a procurement. Such records shall include method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection (or rejection), and the contract price. The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as nonresponsible and ineligible for contract award.
Debarment and Suspension- The Authority will treat any prospective contractor or sub-contractor listed on a centralized State government debarment and suspension list as non-responsible and ineligible for contract awards. To see if a prospective contractor is eligible, we will look on the website www.SAM.gov and when the bid has been received.
Methods of Procurement-
a. Micro and Emergency Purchases (do not exceed $10,000)-(a) A written determination as to why price is deemed fair and reasonable must be on file with each purchase made under this method of procurement using Micro-Purchase Price Reasonableness Determination Form. (b) Splitting of procurements to avoid the competitive procurement requirements of federal and state statues shall not be condoned.
b. Small Purchase Procurement ($10,000 to $250,000)-(a) A minimum of two price or rate quotations shall be obtained from qualified sources; (b) The procurement will be made from the lowest priced qualified bid, if products or goods are equal; (c) MDOT requires for procurements under $25,000.00. Included Procurement Appendix A, B, E, F, G, H, or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. (d) MDOT requires for procurements over $25,000.00 solicitations, including specifications and written selection procedures (lowest bids), Include Procurement Appendix A, F, G, H or I and Vehicle Specification certification if applies. Third Party Contracts with applicable clauses and bond documents must be included.
Cause: The Authority did not follow its own procurement policy.
Effect: The Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200 and its own procurement policy.
Directive: We direct the Authority review and update its procurement policy and implement procedures to ensure that the Authority is complying with the federal requirements, required forms are being completed, and documentation is being maintained.
Management’s Response--Corrective Action Plan: Contact person is Rufus Adams, Executive Director, 275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268.
The Authority will review and update its procurement policy to comply with federal requirements. The Authority’s management, consultant, and finance director will review the procedures in the policy to ensure they are being acted upon accordingly going forward.