Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance for allowable costs related to adequate documentation.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury
Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Assistance Listing Number: 21.019 & 21.027
Pass-Through Entity: King County
Award Numbers: 6200091
Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024
Criteria
Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart E ‐ Cost Principles, Section
200.400, policy guide, require that a non‐Federal entity ensure that cost be adequately documented to be
allowable under Federal awards.
The accounting practices of the non-Federal entity must be consistent with cost principles per the policy guide
and support the accumulation of costs as required by the principles and must provide for adequate
documentation to support costs charged to the Federal award.
Condition/Context
In our initial sample of transactions for allowability, the PDA said they did not require support for the 24
transactions we had selected under $75 as a policy. They were subsequently able to locate support for all but 8 of
these transactions totaling $105.
Cause
PDA’s accounting policies and practices over allowable costs seemed not properly implemented to ensure
compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements.
Effect
Some of the transactions were missing adequate documented support.
Questioned Costs
None.
Repeat Finding
Yes. Recommendation
We recommend that PDA revisits and updates its accounting policies and practices to align with the provisions
outlined in the policy guide of the Code of Federal Regulations. Although the current policy may have been
established with materiality considerations in mind, it is important to note that all charges to Federal awards
necessitate proper documentation, irrespective of the amount involved.
Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance for allowable costs related to adequate documentation.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury
Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Assistance Listing Number: 21.019 & 21.027
Pass-Through Entity: King County
Award Numbers: 6200091
Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024
Criteria
Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart E ‐ Cost Principles, Section
200.400, policy guide, require that a non‐Federal entity ensure that cost be adequately documented to be
allowable under Federal awards.
The accounting practices of the non-Federal entity must be consistent with cost principles per the policy guide
and support the accumulation of costs as required by the principles and must provide for adequate
documentation to support costs charged to the Federal award.
Condition/Context
In our initial sample of transactions for allowability, the PDA said they did not require support for the 24
transactions we had selected under $75 as a policy. They were subsequently able to locate support for all but 8 of
these transactions totaling $105.
Cause
PDA’s accounting policies and practices over allowable costs seemed not properly implemented to ensure
compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements.
Effect
Some of the transactions were missing adequate documented support.
Questioned Costs
None.
Repeat Finding
Yes. Recommendation
We recommend that PDA revisits and updates its accounting policies and practices to align with the provisions
outlined in the policy guide of the Code of Federal Regulations. Although the current policy may have been
established with materiality considerations in mind, it is important to note that all charges to Federal awards
necessitate proper documentation, irrespective of the amount involved.
Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance for allowable costs related to adequate documentation.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury
Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Assistance Listing Number: 21.019 & 21.027
Pass-Through Entity: King County
Award Numbers: 6200091
Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024
Criteria
Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart E ‐ Cost Principles, Section
200.400, policy guide, require that a non‐Federal entity ensure that cost be adequately documented to be
allowable under Federal awards.
The accounting practices of the non-Federal entity must be consistent with cost principles per the policy guide
and support the accumulation of costs as required by the principles and must provide for adequate
documentation to support costs charged to the Federal award.
Condition/Context
In our initial sample of transactions for allowability, the PDA said they did not require support for the 24
transactions we had selected under $75 as a policy. They were subsequently able to locate support for all but 8 of
these transactions totaling $105.
Cause
PDA’s accounting policies and practices over allowable costs seemed not properly implemented to ensure
compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements.
Effect
Some of the transactions were missing adequate documented support.
Questioned Costs
None.
Repeat Finding
Yes. Recommendation
We recommend that PDA revisits and updates its accounting policies and practices to align with the provisions
outlined in the policy guide of the Code of Federal Regulations. Although the current policy may have been
established with materiality considerations in mind, it is important to note that all charges to Federal awards
necessitate proper documentation, irrespective of the amount involved.
Material weakness in internal control over compliance with procurement procedures meeting the requirements of
2 CFR Part 200.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury
Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Assistance Listing Number: 21.027
Pass-Through Entity: King County
Award Numbers: 6200091
Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024
Criteria
Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance), Subpart D ‐ Post
Federal Award Requirements, Section 200.318 through 200.326 Internal Controls, require that a non‐Federal entity
use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations,
provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirement
identified in 2 CFR Part 200. The procurement procedures must include the following:
- Using the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the
applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) (1) and (2). Under the micro-purchase method,
the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for
construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures
are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified
acquisition threshold ($250,000). Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive
quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)).
If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate
number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)).
- For acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, using one of the following
procurement methods: the sealed bid method if the acquisition meets the criteria in 2 CFR section
200.320(b); the competitive proposals method under the conditions specified in 2 CFR section
200.320((b) (2); or the noncompetitive proposals method (i.e., solicit a proposal from only one
source) but only when one or more of the circumstances are met, in accordance with 2 CFR section
200.320(c)).
- Using Noncompetitive procurement only if one or more of the following circumstances apply:
· The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not
exceed the micro-purchase threshold;
· The item is available only from a single source;
· The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from
publicizing a competitive solicitation; - The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive
procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or
∙ After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate
PDA’s procurement policy also requires a verification that vendors and sub-recipient are not suspended or
debarred by checking the website of the System for Award Management and documentation of such verification
maintained by the Finance Office.
Condition/Context
While PDA has established a procurement policy, it does not fully conform to Federal law and the Uniform
Guidance for the following reasons:
- Micro purchase threshold is not explicitly defined, although it is mentioned that cost and price
analysis shall be made and documented in connection with every procurement action above $5,000.
- The policy does not clear provisions for maintaining detailed procurement records. Such records
should include the rationale for the procurement method, the selection of contract type, the
contractor selection or rejection process, and the basis for the contract price.
- The simplified acquisition threshold is not defined and does not incorporate all relevant elements
including sealed bids method.
During our testing of 3 procurement transactions from a total of 20, we observed that, despite management's
detailed historical background on each of the selected the necessary documentation evidencing compliance with
PDA’s procurement standards was not retained. All the transactions tested were noncompetitive and thus single
sourced. The total misstatement from these three transactions amounted to approximately $56,000 out of a total
population of about $186,491.
Furthermore, for these three vendors, which represented a 100% sample, we found no evidence of documentation
for suspension and debarment verification. Although discussions with management suggested that all these
transactions were properly conceived and evaluated at the time, there was no contemporaneous documentation
to support this.
Cause
PDA’s procurement policy does not seem to have been reviewed against the Uniform Guidance for compliance.
Internal controls over maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement including noncompetitive
justification and suspension and debarment verification were found to be insufficient.
Effect
The policy did not fully conformed to the Uniform Guidance resulting to noncompliance issues such as records
not sufficient to detail the history of procurement transactions.
Questioned Costs
$186,491
Repeat Finding
No. Recommendation
We recommend PDA implement measures to ensure that its procurement policy reflect applicable state and local
laws and regulations conforming to applicable federal statutes and requirement in 2 CFR part 200. Management
should ensure procurement transactions are documented in such detail to evidence the method of procurement
use and vendor verification for suspension and debarment.
Material weakness in internal control over compliance with procurement procedures meeting the requirements of
2 CFR Part 200.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury
Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Assistance Listing Number: 21.027
Pass-Through Entity: King County
Award Numbers: 6200091
Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024
Criteria
Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance), Subpart D ‐ Post
Federal Award Requirements, Section 200.318 through 200.326 Internal Controls, require that a non‐Federal entity
use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations,
provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirement
identified in 2 CFR Part 200. The procurement procedures must include the following:
- Using the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the
applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) (1) and (2). Under the micro-purchase method,
the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for
construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures
are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified
acquisition threshold ($250,000). Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive
quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)).
If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate
number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)).
- For acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, using one of the following
procurement methods: the sealed bid method if the acquisition meets the criteria in 2 CFR section
200.320(b); the competitive proposals method under the conditions specified in 2 CFR section
200.320((b) (2); or the noncompetitive proposals method (i.e., solicit a proposal from only one
source) but only when one or more of the circumstances are met, in accordance with 2 CFR section
200.320(c)).
- Using Noncompetitive procurement only if one or more of the following circumstances apply:
· The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not
exceed the micro-purchase threshold;
· The item is available only from a single source;
· The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from
publicizing a competitive solicitation; - The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive
procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or
∙ After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate
PDA’s procurement policy also requires a verification that vendors and sub-recipient are not suspended or
debarred by checking the website of the System for Award Management and documentation of such verification
maintained by the Finance Office.
Condition/Context
While PDA has established a procurement policy, it does not fully conform to Federal law and the Uniform
Guidance for the following reasons:
- Micro purchase threshold is not explicitly defined, although it is mentioned that cost and price
analysis shall be made and documented in connection with every procurement action above $5,000.
- The policy does not clear provisions for maintaining detailed procurement records. Such records
should include the rationale for the procurement method, the selection of contract type, the
contractor selection or rejection process, and the basis for the contract price.
- The simplified acquisition threshold is not defined and does not incorporate all relevant elements
including sealed bids method.
During our testing of 3 procurement transactions from a total of 20, we observed that, despite management's
detailed historical background on each of the selected the necessary documentation evidencing compliance with
PDA’s procurement standards was not retained. All the transactions tested were noncompetitive and thus single
sourced. The total misstatement from these three transactions amounted to approximately $56,000 out of a total
population of about $186,491.
Furthermore, for these three vendors, which represented a 100% sample, we found no evidence of documentation
for suspension and debarment verification. Although discussions with management suggested that all these
transactions were properly conceived and evaluated at the time, there was no contemporaneous documentation
to support this.
Cause
PDA’s procurement policy does not seem to have been reviewed against the Uniform Guidance for compliance.
Internal controls over maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement including noncompetitive
justification and suspension and debarment verification were found to be insufficient.
Effect
The policy did not fully conformed to the Uniform Guidance resulting to noncompliance issues such as records
not sufficient to detail the history of procurement transactions.
Questioned Costs
$186,491
Repeat Finding
No. Recommendation
We recommend PDA implement measures to ensure that its procurement policy reflect applicable state and local
laws and regulations conforming to applicable federal statutes and requirement in 2 CFR part 200. Management
should ensure procurement transactions are documented in such detail to evidence the method of procurement
use and vendor verification for suspension and debarment.
Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance for allowable costs related to adequate documentation.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury
Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Assistance Listing Number: 21.019 & 21.027
Pass-Through Entity: King County
Award Numbers: 6200091
Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024
Criteria
Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart E ‐ Cost Principles, Section
200.400, policy guide, require that a non‐Federal entity ensure that cost be adequately documented to be
allowable under Federal awards.
The accounting practices of the non-Federal entity must be consistent with cost principles per the policy guide
and support the accumulation of costs as required by the principles and must provide for adequate
documentation to support costs charged to the Federal award.
Condition/Context
In our initial sample of transactions for allowability, the PDA said they did not require support for the 24
transactions we had selected under $75 as a policy. They were subsequently able to locate support for all but 8 of
these transactions totaling $105.
Cause
PDA’s accounting policies and practices over allowable costs seemed not properly implemented to ensure
compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements.
Effect
Some of the transactions were missing adequate documented support.
Questioned Costs
None.
Repeat Finding
Yes. Recommendation
We recommend that PDA revisits and updates its accounting policies and practices to align with the provisions
outlined in the policy guide of the Code of Federal Regulations. Although the current policy may have been
established with materiality considerations in mind, it is important to note that all charges to Federal awards
necessitate proper documentation, irrespective of the amount involved.
Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance for allowable costs related to adequate documentation.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury
Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Assistance Listing Number: 21.019 & 21.027
Pass-Through Entity: King County
Award Numbers: 6200091
Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024
Criteria
Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart E ‐ Cost Principles, Section
200.400, policy guide, require that a non‐Federal entity ensure that cost be adequately documented to be
allowable under Federal awards.
The accounting practices of the non-Federal entity must be consistent with cost principles per the policy guide
and support the accumulation of costs as required by the principles and must provide for adequate
documentation to support costs charged to the Federal award.
Condition/Context
In our initial sample of transactions for allowability, the PDA said they did not require support for the 24
transactions we had selected under $75 as a policy. They were subsequently able to locate support for all but 8 of
these transactions totaling $105.
Cause
PDA’s accounting policies and practices over allowable costs seemed not properly implemented to ensure
compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements.
Effect
Some of the transactions were missing adequate documented support.
Questioned Costs
None.
Repeat Finding
Yes. Recommendation
We recommend that PDA revisits and updates its accounting policies and practices to align with the provisions
outlined in the policy guide of the Code of Federal Regulations. Although the current policy may have been
established with materiality considerations in mind, it is important to note that all charges to Federal awards
necessitate proper documentation, irrespective of the amount involved.
Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance for allowable costs related to adequate documentation.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury
Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Assistance Listing Number: 21.019 & 21.027
Pass-Through Entity: King County
Award Numbers: 6200091
Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024
Criteria
Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart E ‐ Cost Principles, Section
200.400, policy guide, require that a non‐Federal entity ensure that cost be adequately documented to be
allowable under Federal awards.
The accounting practices of the non-Federal entity must be consistent with cost principles per the policy guide
and support the accumulation of costs as required by the principles and must provide for adequate
documentation to support costs charged to the Federal award.
Condition/Context
In our initial sample of transactions for allowability, the PDA said they did not require support for the 24
transactions we had selected under $75 as a policy. They were subsequently able to locate support for all but 8 of
these transactions totaling $105.
Cause
PDA’s accounting policies and practices over allowable costs seemed not properly implemented to ensure
compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements.
Effect
Some of the transactions were missing adequate documented support.
Questioned Costs
None.
Repeat Finding
Yes. Recommendation
We recommend that PDA revisits and updates its accounting policies and practices to align with the provisions
outlined in the policy guide of the Code of Federal Regulations. Although the current policy may have been
established with materiality considerations in mind, it is important to note that all charges to Federal awards
necessitate proper documentation, irrespective of the amount involved.
Material weakness in internal control over compliance with procurement procedures meeting the requirements of
2 CFR Part 200.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury
Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Assistance Listing Number: 21.027
Pass-Through Entity: King County
Award Numbers: 6200091
Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024
Criteria
Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance), Subpart D ‐ Post
Federal Award Requirements, Section 200.318 through 200.326 Internal Controls, require that a non‐Federal entity
use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations,
provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirement
identified in 2 CFR Part 200. The procurement procedures must include the following:
- Using the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the
applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) (1) and (2). Under the micro-purchase method,
the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for
construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures
are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified
acquisition threshold ($250,000). Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive
quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)).
If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate
number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)).
- For acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, using one of the following
procurement methods: the sealed bid method if the acquisition meets the criteria in 2 CFR section
200.320(b); the competitive proposals method under the conditions specified in 2 CFR section
200.320((b) (2); or the noncompetitive proposals method (i.e., solicit a proposal from only one
source) but only when one or more of the circumstances are met, in accordance with 2 CFR section
200.320(c)).
- Using Noncompetitive procurement only if one or more of the following circumstances apply:
· The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not
exceed the micro-purchase threshold;
· The item is available only from a single source;
· The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from
publicizing a competitive solicitation; - The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive
procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or
∙ After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate
PDA’s procurement policy also requires a verification that vendors and sub-recipient are not suspended or
debarred by checking the website of the System for Award Management and documentation of such verification
maintained by the Finance Office.
Condition/Context
While PDA has established a procurement policy, it does not fully conform to Federal law and the Uniform
Guidance for the following reasons:
- Micro purchase threshold is not explicitly defined, although it is mentioned that cost and price
analysis shall be made and documented in connection with every procurement action above $5,000.
- The policy does not clear provisions for maintaining detailed procurement records. Such records
should include the rationale for the procurement method, the selection of contract type, the
contractor selection or rejection process, and the basis for the contract price.
- The simplified acquisition threshold is not defined and does not incorporate all relevant elements
including sealed bids method.
During our testing of 3 procurement transactions from a total of 20, we observed that, despite management's
detailed historical background on each of the selected the necessary documentation evidencing compliance with
PDA’s procurement standards was not retained. All the transactions tested were noncompetitive and thus single
sourced. The total misstatement from these three transactions amounted to approximately $56,000 out of a total
population of about $186,491.
Furthermore, for these three vendors, which represented a 100% sample, we found no evidence of documentation
for suspension and debarment verification. Although discussions with management suggested that all these
transactions were properly conceived and evaluated at the time, there was no contemporaneous documentation
to support this.
Cause
PDA’s procurement policy does not seem to have been reviewed against the Uniform Guidance for compliance.
Internal controls over maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement including noncompetitive
justification and suspension and debarment verification were found to be insufficient.
Effect
The policy did not fully conformed to the Uniform Guidance resulting to noncompliance issues such as records
not sufficient to detail the history of procurement transactions.
Questioned Costs
$186,491
Repeat Finding
No. Recommendation
We recommend PDA implement measures to ensure that its procurement policy reflect applicable state and local
laws and regulations conforming to applicable federal statutes and requirement in 2 CFR part 200. Management
should ensure procurement transactions are documented in such detail to evidence the method of procurement
use and vendor verification for suspension and debarment.
Material weakness in internal control over compliance with procurement procedures meeting the requirements of
2 CFR Part 200.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Treasury
Program Titles: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Assistance Listing Number: 21.027
Pass-Through Entity: King County
Award Numbers: 6200091
Award Periods: January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024
Criteria
Internal control requirements contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance), Subpart D ‐ Post
Federal Award Requirements, Section 200.318 through 200.326 Internal Controls, require that a non‐Federal entity
use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations,
provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirement
identified in 2 CFR Part 200. The procurement procedures must include the following:
- Using the micro-purchase and small purchase methods only for procurements that meet the
applicable criteria under 2 CFR sections 200.320(a) (1) and (2). Under the micro-purchase method,
the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed $10,000 ($2,000 in the case of acquisition for
construction subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (Davis-Bacon Act)). Small purchase procedures
are used for purchases that exceed the micro-purchase amount but do not exceed the simplified
acquisition threshold ($250,000). Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive
quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable (2 CFR section 200.320(a)).
If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate
number of qualified sources (2 CFR section 200.320(b)).
- For acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, using one of the following
procurement methods: the sealed bid method if the acquisition meets the criteria in 2 CFR section
200.320(b); the competitive proposals method under the conditions specified in 2 CFR section
200.320((b) (2); or the noncompetitive proposals method (i.e., solicit a proposal from only one
source) but only when one or more of the circumstances are met, in accordance with 2 CFR section
200.320(c)).
- Using Noncompetitive procurement only if one or more of the following circumstances apply:
· The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not
exceed the micro-purchase threshold;
· The item is available only from a single source;
· The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from
publicizing a competitive solicitation; - The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive
procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or
∙ After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate
PDA’s procurement policy also requires a verification that vendors and sub-recipient are not suspended or
debarred by checking the website of the System for Award Management and documentation of such verification
maintained by the Finance Office.
Condition/Context
While PDA has established a procurement policy, it does not fully conform to Federal law and the Uniform
Guidance for the following reasons:
- Micro purchase threshold is not explicitly defined, although it is mentioned that cost and price
analysis shall be made and documented in connection with every procurement action above $5,000.
- The policy does not clear provisions for maintaining detailed procurement records. Such records
should include the rationale for the procurement method, the selection of contract type, the
contractor selection or rejection process, and the basis for the contract price.
- The simplified acquisition threshold is not defined and does not incorporate all relevant elements
including sealed bids method.
During our testing of 3 procurement transactions from a total of 20, we observed that, despite management's
detailed historical background on each of the selected the necessary documentation evidencing compliance with
PDA’s procurement standards was not retained. All the transactions tested were noncompetitive and thus single
sourced. The total misstatement from these three transactions amounted to approximately $56,000 out of a total
population of about $186,491.
Furthermore, for these three vendors, which represented a 100% sample, we found no evidence of documentation
for suspension and debarment verification. Although discussions with management suggested that all these
transactions were properly conceived and evaluated at the time, there was no contemporaneous documentation
to support this.
Cause
PDA’s procurement policy does not seem to have been reviewed against the Uniform Guidance for compliance.
Internal controls over maintaining sufficient records to detail the history of procurement including noncompetitive
justification and suspension and debarment verification were found to be insufficient.
Effect
The policy did not fully conformed to the Uniform Guidance resulting to noncompliance issues such as records
not sufficient to detail the history of procurement transactions.
Questioned Costs
$186,491
Repeat Finding
No. Recommendation
We recommend PDA implement measures to ensure that its procurement policy reflect applicable state and local
laws and regulations conforming to applicable federal statutes and requirement in 2 CFR part 200. Management
should ensure procurement transactions are documented in such detail to evidence the method of procurement
use and vendor verification for suspension and debarment.