Audit 316492

FY End
2023-06-30
Total Expended
$876,686
Findings
12
Programs
2
Year: 2023 Accepted: 2024-08-01
Auditor: Marcum LLP

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
480259 2023-002 Material Weakness - P
480260 2023-002 Material Weakness - P
480261 2023-002 Material Weakness - P
480262 2023-003 Material Weakness - AB
480263 2023-003 Material Weakness - AB
480264 2023-003 Material Weakness - AB
1056701 2023-002 Material Weakness - P
1056702 2023-002 Material Weakness - P
1056703 2023-002 Material Weakness - P
1056704 2023-003 Material Weakness - AB
1056705 2023-003 Material Weakness - AB
1056706 2023-003 Material Weakness - AB

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
47.075 Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences $457,097 Yes 2
12.431 Basic Scientific Research $298,884 Yes 2

Contacts

Name Title Type
SN33U4693UA7 Carol Ember Auditee
2035891510 Gary Smith Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Note 1 - Basis of Presentation Accounting Policies: The expenditures reported on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. De Minimis Rate Used: Y Rate Explanation: Human Relations Area Files, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rates allowed under the Uniform Guidance for National Science Foundation grants. Additionally, Human Relations Area Files, Inc. has elected to use the and 31.95% indirect cost rate per the terms of the contract with the Department of Defense grant. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the Schedule) includes the federal grant activity of Human Relations Area Files, Inc. (the Organization) under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2023. The information in the schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirement, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because the schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of Human Relations Area Files, Inc., it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net assets of cash flows of Human Relations Area Files, Inc.
Title: Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies: The expenditures reported on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. De Minimis Rate Used: Y Rate Explanation: Human Relations Area Files, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rates allowed under the Uniform Guidance for National Science Foundation grants. Additionally, Human Relations Area Files, Inc. has elected to use the and 31.95% indirect cost rate per the terms of the contract with the Department of Defense grant. The accounting policies of Human Relations Area Files, Inc. conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as applicable to not-for-profit organizations. The information in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is presented based upon regulations established by Uniform Guidance. BASIS OF ACCOUNTING The expenditures reported on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards are reported on the accrual basis of accounting.
Title: Note 3 - Indirect Cost Rate Accounting Policies: The expenditures reported on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. De Minimis Rate Used: Y Rate Explanation: Human Relations Area Files, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rates allowed under the Uniform Guidance for National Science Foundation grants. Additionally, Human Relations Area Files, Inc. has elected to use the and 31.95% indirect cost rate per the terms of the contract with the Department of Defense grant. Human Relations Area Files, Inc. has elected to use the 10% de minimis indirect cost rates allowed under the Uniform Guidance for National Science Foundation grants. Additionally, Human Relations Area Files, Inc. has elected to use the and 31.95% indirect cost rate per the terms of the contract with the Department of Defense grant.

Finding Details

Finding 2023-002 – Material Weakness – Late Submission of Reporting Package and Data Collection Form – National Science Foundation – Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA # 47.075) Department of Defense – The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston pass through – Basic Scientific Research (CFDA # 12.431) Criteria – The Uniform Guidance requires the reporting package and data collection form to be submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse the earlier of 30 days after the reports are received from auditors or nine months after the end of the audit period, unless longer period of time was agreed to in advance by the cognizant or oversight agency for audit. The Federal Clearinghouse considers the submission requirement complete when it has received the electronic submission of both the data collection form and the reporting package. Condition – The Federal reporting deadline for the Single Audit Reporting Package was March 31, 2024; however, Human Relations Area Files, Inc. did not issue its Single Audit Reporting Package on time. Cause – Due to employee staffing constraints and lack of a higher level of supervisory or review function in the finance and accounting department, the accounting records were not completed in a timely manner. Effect of Potential Effect – The late submission of the reporting package affects all Federal programs administered by Human Relations Are Files, Inc. This finding is a material weakness in internal control over compliance and noncompliance with the Uniform Guidance. Untimely reports can prevent the Organization’s funders to make appropriate decisions regarding the Organization’s programs. Questioned Costs – None. Context – The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards was not completed in a timely manner causing the audit to be delayed and late. Recommendation – Management should make the proper changes to its finance functions to ensure it has sufficient staffing resources to keep its accounting records up to date for its federal programs. Views of Responsible Officials – See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2023-002 – Material Weakness – Late Submission of Reporting Package and Data Collection Form – National Science Foundation – Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA # 47.075) Department of Defense – The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston pass through – Basic Scientific Research (CFDA # 12.431) Criteria – The Uniform Guidance requires the reporting package and data collection form to be submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse the earlier of 30 days after the reports are received from auditors or nine months after the end of the audit period, unless longer period of time was agreed to in advance by the cognizant or oversight agency for audit. The Federal Clearinghouse considers the submission requirement complete when it has received the electronic submission of both the data collection form and the reporting package. Condition – The Federal reporting deadline for the Single Audit Reporting Package was March 31, 2024; however, Human Relations Area Files, Inc. did not issue its Single Audit Reporting Package on time. Cause – Due to employee staffing constraints and lack of a higher level of supervisory or review function in the finance and accounting department, the accounting records were not completed in a timely manner. Effect of Potential Effect – The late submission of the reporting package affects all Federal programs administered by Human Relations Are Files, Inc. This finding is a material weakness in internal control over compliance and noncompliance with the Uniform Guidance. Untimely reports can prevent the Organization’s funders to make appropriate decisions regarding the Organization’s programs. Questioned Costs – None. Context – The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards was not completed in a timely manner causing the audit to be delayed and late. Recommendation – Management should make the proper changes to its finance functions to ensure it has sufficient staffing resources to keep its accounting records up to date for its federal programs. Views of Responsible Officials – See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2023-002 – Material Weakness – Late Submission of Reporting Package and Data Collection Form – National Science Foundation – Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA # 47.075) Department of Defense – The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston pass through – Basic Scientific Research (CFDA # 12.431) Criteria – The Uniform Guidance requires the reporting package and data collection form to be submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse the earlier of 30 days after the reports are received from auditors or nine months after the end of the audit period, unless longer period of time was agreed to in advance by the cognizant or oversight agency for audit. The Federal Clearinghouse considers the submission requirement complete when it has received the electronic submission of both the data collection form and the reporting package. Condition – The Federal reporting deadline for the Single Audit Reporting Package was March 31, 2024; however, Human Relations Area Files, Inc. did not issue its Single Audit Reporting Package on time. Cause – Due to employee staffing constraints and lack of a higher level of supervisory or review function in the finance and accounting department, the accounting records were not completed in a timely manner. Effect of Potential Effect – The late submission of the reporting package affects all Federal programs administered by Human Relations Are Files, Inc. This finding is a material weakness in internal control over compliance and noncompliance with the Uniform Guidance. Untimely reports can prevent the Organization’s funders to make appropriate decisions regarding the Organization’s programs. Questioned Costs – None. Context – The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards was not completed in a timely manner causing the audit to be delayed and late. Recommendation – Management should make the proper changes to its finance functions to ensure it has sufficient staffing resources to keep its accounting records up to date for its federal programs. Views of Responsible Officials – See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2023-003 – Material Weakness – Compliance Requirement Related to Activities Allowed and Allowable Costs – National Science Foundation – Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA # 47.075) Department of Defense – The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston pass through – Basic Scientific Research (CFDA # 12.431) Criteria – All expenditures charged to federal grants should be properly reviewed and approved, prior to submission to granting agencies, and paid with no excess or duplicate payments. Condition – There were multiple instances of transactions charged to grant programs either as duplicate transactions, incorrect amounts revised after date of submission to granting agency, or improperly excluded from submissions. Additionally, there were transactions that did not have sufficient appropriate audit evidence including but not limited to lack of Organizational policy, missing invoices, etc. to support such transactions as eligible expenses. These charges were not identified and corrected by the Organization prior to fiscal year-end. Cause – Due to employee staffing constraints and lack of a higher level of supervisory or review function in the finance and accounting department, the accounting records were not completed in a timely manner. Effect of Potential Effect – Improper expenses were charged and reimbursed under the grant program. Questioned Costs – Found costs include $189 and $600. The remaining balance is unknown due to significant posting closing adjustments as well as unclear documentation of such adjustments. Context – We identified these issues when reconciling the expenditure detail to the Schedule of Federal Awards. During such reconciliation, multiple adjustments to the Schedule of Federal Awards were required. Additionally, we tested 20 payroll and 20 non-payroll cash disbursements charged to the grants and identified expenditures not appropriately supported. Recommendation – The Organization should correct the excess expense recorded and ensure controls are in place to ensure incorrect reporting is not possible in the future. All expenditures in excess of a specific dollar threshold should require receipts and specific reason for allowable costs. Views of Responsible Officials – See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2023-003 – Material Weakness – Compliance Requirement Related to Activities Allowed and Allowable Costs – National Science Foundation – Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA # 47.075) Department of Defense – The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston pass through – Basic Scientific Research (CFDA # 12.431) Criteria – All expenditures charged to federal grants should be properly reviewed and approved, prior to submission to granting agencies, and paid with no excess or duplicate payments. Condition – There were multiple instances of transactions charged to grant programs either as duplicate transactions, incorrect amounts revised after date of submission to granting agency, or improperly excluded from submissions. Additionally, there were transactions that did not have sufficient appropriate audit evidence including but not limited to lack of Organizational policy, missing invoices, etc. to support such transactions as eligible expenses. These charges were not identified and corrected by the Organization prior to fiscal year-end. Cause – Due to employee staffing constraints and lack of a higher level of supervisory or review function in the finance and accounting department, the accounting records were not completed in a timely manner. Effect of Potential Effect – Improper expenses were charged and reimbursed under the grant program. Questioned Costs – Found costs include $189 and $600. The remaining balance is unknown due to significant posting closing adjustments as well as unclear documentation of such adjustments. Context – We identified these issues when reconciling the expenditure detail to the Schedule of Federal Awards. During such reconciliation, multiple adjustments to the Schedule of Federal Awards were required. Additionally, we tested 20 payroll and 20 non-payroll cash disbursements charged to the grants and identified expenditures not appropriately supported. Recommendation – The Organization should correct the excess expense recorded and ensure controls are in place to ensure incorrect reporting is not possible in the future. All expenditures in excess of a specific dollar threshold should require receipts and specific reason for allowable costs. Views of Responsible Officials – See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2023-003 – Material Weakness – Compliance Requirement Related to Activities Allowed and Allowable Costs – National Science Foundation – Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA # 47.075) Department of Defense – The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston pass through – Basic Scientific Research (CFDA # 12.431) Criteria – All expenditures charged to federal grants should be properly reviewed and approved, prior to submission to granting agencies, and paid with no excess or duplicate payments. Condition – There were multiple instances of transactions charged to grant programs either as duplicate transactions, incorrect amounts revised after date of submission to granting agency, or improperly excluded from submissions. Additionally, there were transactions that did not have sufficient appropriate audit evidence including but not limited to lack of Organizational policy, missing invoices, etc. to support such transactions as eligible expenses. These charges were not identified and corrected by the Organization prior to fiscal year-end. Cause – Due to employee staffing constraints and lack of a higher level of supervisory or review function in the finance and accounting department, the accounting records were not completed in a timely manner. Effect of Potential Effect – Improper expenses were charged and reimbursed under the grant program. Questioned Costs – Found costs include $189 and $600. The remaining balance is unknown due to significant posting closing adjustments as well as unclear documentation of such adjustments. Context – We identified these issues when reconciling the expenditure detail to the Schedule of Federal Awards. During such reconciliation, multiple adjustments to the Schedule of Federal Awards were required. Additionally, we tested 20 payroll and 20 non-payroll cash disbursements charged to the grants and identified expenditures not appropriately supported. Recommendation – The Organization should correct the excess expense recorded and ensure controls are in place to ensure incorrect reporting is not possible in the future. All expenditures in excess of a specific dollar threshold should require receipts and specific reason for allowable costs. Views of Responsible Officials – See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2023-002 – Material Weakness – Late Submission of Reporting Package and Data Collection Form – National Science Foundation – Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA # 47.075) Department of Defense – The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston pass through – Basic Scientific Research (CFDA # 12.431) Criteria – The Uniform Guidance requires the reporting package and data collection form to be submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse the earlier of 30 days after the reports are received from auditors or nine months after the end of the audit period, unless longer period of time was agreed to in advance by the cognizant or oversight agency for audit. The Federal Clearinghouse considers the submission requirement complete when it has received the electronic submission of both the data collection form and the reporting package. Condition – The Federal reporting deadline for the Single Audit Reporting Package was March 31, 2024; however, Human Relations Area Files, Inc. did not issue its Single Audit Reporting Package on time. Cause – Due to employee staffing constraints and lack of a higher level of supervisory or review function in the finance and accounting department, the accounting records were not completed in a timely manner. Effect of Potential Effect – The late submission of the reporting package affects all Federal programs administered by Human Relations Are Files, Inc. This finding is a material weakness in internal control over compliance and noncompliance with the Uniform Guidance. Untimely reports can prevent the Organization’s funders to make appropriate decisions regarding the Organization’s programs. Questioned Costs – None. Context – The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards was not completed in a timely manner causing the audit to be delayed and late. Recommendation – Management should make the proper changes to its finance functions to ensure it has sufficient staffing resources to keep its accounting records up to date for its federal programs. Views of Responsible Officials – See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2023-002 – Material Weakness – Late Submission of Reporting Package and Data Collection Form – National Science Foundation – Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA # 47.075) Department of Defense – The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston pass through – Basic Scientific Research (CFDA # 12.431) Criteria – The Uniform Guidance requires the reporting package and data collection form to be submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse the earlier of 30 days after the reports are received from auditors or nine months after the end of the audit period, unless longer period of time was agreed to in advance by the cognizant or oversight agency for audit. The Federal Clearinghouse considers the submission requirement complete when it has received the electronic submission of both the data collection form and the reporting package. Condition – The Federal reporting deadline for the Single Audit Reporting Package was March 31, 2024; however, Human Relations Area Files, Inc. did not issue its Single Audit Reporting Package on time. Cause – Due to employee staffing constraints and lack of a higher level of supervisory or review function in the finance and accounting department, the accounting records were not completed in a timely manner. Effect of Potential Effect – The late submission of the reporting package affects all Federal programs administered by Human Relations Are Files, Inc. This finding is a material weakness in internal control over compliance and noncompliance with the Uniform Guidance. Untimely reports can prevent the Organization’s funders to make appropriate decisions regarding the Organization’s programs. Questioned Costs – None. Context – The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards was not completed in a timely manner causing the audit to be delayed and late. Recommendation – Management should make the proper changes to its finance functions to ensure it has sufficient staffing resources to keep its accounting records up to date for its federal programs. Views of Responsible Officials – See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2023-002 – Material Weakness – Late Submission of Reporting Package and Data Collection Form – National Science Foundation – Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA # 47.075) Department of Defense – The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston pass through – Basic Scientific Research (CFDA # 12.431) Criteria – The Uniform Guidance requires the reporting package and data collection form to be submitted to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse the earlier of 30 days after the reports are received from auditors or nine months after the end of the audit period, unless longer period of time was agreed to in advance by the cognizant or oversight agency for audit. The Federal Clearinghouse considers the submission requirement complete when it has received the electronic submission of both the data collection form and the reporting package. Condition – The Federal reporting deadline for the Single Audit Reporting Package was March 31, 2024; however, Human Relations Area Files, Inc. did not issue its Single Audit Reporting Package on time. Cause – Due to employee staffing constraints and lack of a higher level of supervisory or review function in the finance and accounting department, the accounting records were not completed in a timely manner. Effect of Potential Effect – The late submission of the reporting package affects all Federal programs administered by Human Relations Are Files, Inc. This finding is a material weakness in internal control over compliance and noncompliance with the Uniform Guidance. Untimely reports can prevent the Organization’s funders to make appropriate decisions regarding the Organization’s programs. Questioned Costs – None. Context – The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards was not completed in a timely manner causing the audit to be delayed and late. Recommendation – Management should make the proper changes to its finance functions to ensure it has sufficient staffing resources to keep its accounting records up to date for its federal programs. Views of Responsible Officials – See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2023-003 – Material Weakness – Compliance Requirement Related to Activities Allowed and Allowable Costs – National Science Foundation – Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA # 47.075) Department of Defense – The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston pass through – Basic Scientific Research (CFDA # 12.431) Criteria – All expenditures charged to federal grants should be properly reviewed and approved, prior to submission to granting agencies, and paid with no excess or duplicate payments. Condition – There were multiple instances of transactions charged to grant programs either as duplicate transactions, incorrect amounts revised after date of submission to granting agency, or improperly excluded from submissions. Additionally, there were transactions that did not have sufficient appropriate audit evidence including but not limited to lack of Organizational policy, missing invoices, etc. to support such transactions as eligible expenses. These charges were not identified and corrected by the Organization prior to fiscal year-end. Cause – Due to employee staffing constraints and lack of a higher level of supervisory or review function in the finance and accounting department, the accounting records were not completed in a timely manner. Effect of Potential Effect – Improper expenses were charged and reimbursed under the grant program. Questioned Costs – Found costs include $189 and $600. The remaining balance is unknown due to significant posting closing adjustments as well as unclear documentation of such adjustments. Context – We identified these issues when reconciling the expenditure detail to the Schedule of Federal Awards. During such reconciliation, multiple adjustments to the Schedule of Federal Awards were required. Additionally, we tested 20 payroll and 20 non-payroll cash disbursements charged to the grants and identified expenditures not appropriately supported. Recommendation – The Organization should correct the excess expense recorded and ensure controls are in place to ensure incorrect reporting is not possible in the future. All expenditures in excess of a specific dollar threshold should require receipts and specific reason for allowable costs. Views of Responsible Officials – See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2023-003 – Material Weakness – Compliance Requirement Related to Activities Allowed and Allowable Costs – National Science Foundation – Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA # 47.075) Department of Defense – The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston pass through – Basic Scientific Research (CFDA # 12.431) Criteria – All expenditures charged to federal grants should be properly reviewed and approved, prior to submission to granting agencies, and paid with no excess or duplicate payments. Condition – There were multiple instances of transactions charged to grant programs either as duplicate transactions, incorrect amounts revised after date of submission to granting agency, or improperly excluded from submissions. Additionally, there were transactions that did not have sufficient appropriate audit evidence including but not limited to lack of Organizational policy, missing invoices, etc. to support such transactions as eligible expenses. These charges were not identified and corrected by the Organization prior to fiscal year-end. Cause – Due to employee staffing constraints and lack of a higher level of supervisory or review function in the finance and accounting department, the accounting records were not completed in a timely manner. Effect of Potential Effect – Improper expenses were charged and reimbursed under the grant program. Questioned Costs – Found costs include $189 and $600. The remaining balance is unknown due to significant posting closing adjustments as well as unclear documentation of such adjustments. Context – We identified these issues when reconciling the expenditure detail to the Schedule of Federal Awards. During such reconciliation, multiple adjustments to the Schedule of Federal Awards were required. Additionally, we tested 20 payroll and 20 non-payroll cash disbursements charged to the grants and identified expenditures not appropriately supported. Recommendation – The Organization should correct the excess expense recorded and ensure controls are in place to ensure incorrect reporting is not possible in the future. All expenditures in excess of a specific dollar threshold should require receipts and specific reason for allowable costs. Views of Responsible Officials – See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2023-003 – Material Weakness – Compliance Requirement Related to Activities Allowed and Allowable Costs – National Science Foundation – Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (CFDA # 47.075) Department of Defense – The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston pass through – Basic Scientific Research (CFDA # 12.431) Criteria – All expenditures charged to federal grants should be properly reviewed and approved, prior to submission to granting agencies, and paid with no excess or duplicate payments. Condition – There were multiple instances of transactions charged to grant programs either as duplicate transactions, incorrect amounts revised after date of submission to granting agency, or improperly excluded from submissions. Additionally, there were transactions that did not have sufficient appropriate audit evidence including but not limited to lack of Organizational policy, missing invoices, etc. to support such transactions as eligible expenses. These charges were not identified and corrected by the Organization prior to fiscal year-end. Cause – Due to employee staffing constraints and lack of a higher level of supervisory or review function in the finance and accounting department, the accounting records were not completed in a timely manner. Effect of Potential Effect – Improper expenses were charged and reimbursed under the grant program. Questioned Costs – Found costs include $189 and $600. The remaining balance is unknown due to significant posting closing adjustments as well as unclear documentation of such adjustments. Context – We identified these issues when reconciling the expenditure detail to the Schedule of Federal Awards. During such reconciliation, multiple adjustments to the Schedule of Federal Awards were required. Additionally, we tested 20 payroll and 20 non-payroll cash disbursements charged to the grants and identified expenditures not appropriately supported. Recommendation – The Organization should correct the excess expense recorded and ensure controls are in place to ensure incorrect reporting is not possible in the future. All expenditures in excess of a specific dollar threshold should require receipts and specific reason for allowable costs. Views of Responsible Officials – See Corrective Action Plan.