MW2020-005 SUBRECIPIENT MONITORING (REPEAT FINDING) (PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS
MW2019-002)
Condition
The auditee failed to comply with federal regulations requiring the monitoring of subrecipients
for federal awards. Recipients of federal awards are responsible for monitoring the activities of
subrecipients to ensure that they comply with applicable laws, regulations, and the terms and
conditions of the federal award. The auditee did not maintain any documentation to demonstrate
that they fulfilled this responsibility. This noncompliance with the monitoring requirement could
result in the mismanagement of federal funds, including the inappropriate expenditure of funds
or the failure to achieve program objectives.
Criteria
The regulations are documented in 31 USC 7502(f)(2), 2 CFR sections 200.330, .331, and
.501(h); (Requirements for Pass-Through Entities). The criteria for monitoring subrecipients of
federal awards should be following federal regulations, the terms of the federal contract, and any
additional requirements specified by the auditee's policies and procedures. Specifically, the
monitoring criteria should include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Subrecipient Risk Assessment
• Financial Monitoring
• Compliance Monitoring
• Reporting and Documentation
Cause
CUAHSI had a policy and procedure manual in place which outlined the steps for monitoring.
The was no audit evidence of anyone following it and monitoring that the subrecipient was using
the funding as prescribed. There was a lack of management oversight.Effect
CUAHSI is not in compliance with the requirements for monitoring and thus creating the
possible misuse or improper use of funds.
Recommendation
The auditor recommends that management review the requirements documented in 31 USC
7502(f)(2), 2 CFR sections 200.330, .331, and .501(h);(Requirements for Pass-Through Entities)
and develops and implements procedures to adhere to such requirements.
Current Year Status
This condition still exists for the year ended December 31, 2020. The monitoring of
subrecipients was not completed in a reasonable timeframe in accordance with the policies set
forth in the UG.
View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action
See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
MW2020-006 CASH MANAGEMENT (REPEAT FINDING) (PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS MW2019-
003)
Condition
The cash management process requires that cash draws be reviewed and approved to ensure the
propriety of draw reimbursement requests. Management was unable to provide the auditor
evidence documenting approval of the drawdowns for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Criteria
2 CFR Part 200 states that entities expending federal grants must establish and maintain effective
internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal
entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the
terms and conditions of the Federal award. To comply with 2 CFR Part 200, it is required to
submit monthly invoices for the funds received under the federal contract. These invoices will
serve as a record of the services or goods provided during the specified period and will facilitate
accurate tracking and reporting of the funds. In addition to the invoice, any supporting
documentation, such as timesheets, should be maintained with the invoices. The cash
management process should also be adjusted for the receipt of program income.
These documents validate the services provided and ensure transparency and auditability of the
invoiced amount. These amounts should be able to be traced to the general ledger in conjunction
with the time in which they are billed.
Effect
Grant awards and reimbursements may not be recorded correctly and there is a higher risk of
error or misappropriation of assets.Cause
CUAHSI had no fiscal management team during the year ended December 31, 2019, and that all
the books and records for that year had to be recreated from bank statements by and outside
bookkeeping company years after the fact.
Recommendation
The auditor recommends CUAHSI develop and implement controls to ensure an adequate review
process is in place for review of reimbursement requests submitted to granting agencies to ensure
consistent reporting.
Current Year Status
This condition still exists for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the completion of the
audit procedures, the auditor noted that CUAHSI failed to maintain and provide the proper
records and support to reconcile the federal award reimbursements and document their review
and approval process for the year ended December 31, 2020.
View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action
See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
MW2020-007 PROCUREMENT, SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT (REPEAT FINDING)
(PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS MW2019-004)
Condition
CUAHSI had a policy in place regarding procurement of which they were unable to provide any
documentation that they complied with the policy. There was no documentation for one payment
made to the Board Member for $15,000. While there were invoices for the remaining amounts,
there was no documentation maintained that showed CUAHSI verified expenses were incurred
from vendors that were not suspended or debarred.
Criteria
The requirements for this compliance requirement are contained in 2 CFR sections 200.317-
200.326; 48 CFR parts 03, 15, 44, and the clauses at 48 CRF sections 52.244-2, 52.244-5,
52.203-13, 52.203-16 and 52.215-12; agency FAR supplements; 2 CFR part 180; OMB M-18-
18; and the terms and conditions of the federal award. There is a requirement to verify that
contractors in covered transactions or any of its vendors are not federally debarred, suspended, or
excluded.
Cause
CUAHSI has a policy in place to meet the procurement requirements but there was no evidence
of compliance with that policy.
Effect
CUAHSI is not in compliance with UG requirements, there could be future legal action, the
repayment of funds, loss of reputation and possible suspension or debarment.Recommendation
It is recommended that CUAHSI strive to prioritize compliance. CUAHSI should ensure that, to
the extent practicable, the use of a competitive procurement process in compliance with 2 CFR
section 200/317.
Current Year Status
This condition still exists for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the completion of the
audit, the auditor noted that CUAHSI failed to maintain and provide the proper records and
support to document their review of vendor files. Such failure led to non-compliance with the
procurement, suspension and debarment policies in accordance with the UG for the year ended
December 31, 2020.
View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action
See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
MW2020-008 FEDERAL DRAWDOWNS IN ADVANCE OF EXPENDITURES (REPEAT FINDING)
(PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS MW2019-009)
Condition
Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2019, CUAHSI drew down approximately
$1,300,000 from National Science Foundation (“NSF”) based on information that there was
going to be a government shutdown. Federal funds are required to be to be drawn down on a
reimbursement basis and not in advance of the expenditures. The funds were not returned to NSF
after it became clear that there would not be a government shutdown.
Criteria
CFR § 200.305 Cash management: This section of the CFR outlines the requirements for the
management of cash drawdowns and disbursements of federal funds. Federal funds should be
disbursed in a timely manner for allowable costs that have been incurred.
Cause
CUAHSI had insufficient funds available to “float” operating expenses.
Effect
Drawing down funds in advance of incurring eligible expenses could lead to non-compliance
with federal regulations, such as those outlined in 2 CFR § 200.305. This may result in the need
to repay the funds, potential financial penalties, or disqualification from future federal funding.Recommendation
The auditor recommends that CUAHSI develops and implements controls over policies
consistent with 2 CFR 200.35.
Current Year Status
This condition still exists for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the completion of the
audit, the auditor noted that during 2020, CUAHSI had advance drawdowns totaling $3,610,240
from the NSF. Of this amount, CUAHSI incurred $2,521,926 in eligible expenses for the year
ended December 31, 2020. This resulted in $1,088,314 in federal advances as of year-end. The
draw downs in excess of revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2020 is
reported as part of deferred revenue in the accompanying Statement of Financial Position.
View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action
See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
MW2020-009 PROGRAM INCOME (REPEAT FINDING) (PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS MW2019-
011)
Condition
The use of program income generated through a federally funded program will be governed by
the terms and conditions of the federal grant award, or sub-award, are subject to the same
allowability requirements in 2 CFR 200 for same award objectives and the regulations at 2 CFR
200.307. Program income is defined as “Gross income earned by the recipient that is directly
generated by a supported activity or earned as a result of the federal award during the period of
performance” by 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
Program income consists of registration fees collected for training, meetings or workshops and
the proceeds from the sale of publications as a result of the federal award during the period of
performance. Program income is treated as an additive to the federal funds received by CUAHSI.
During a drawdown, program income reduces the amount that is requested to cover reimbursable
costs through the Flexible Billing module. This allows program income to be applied to the
award before a reimbursement is requested from NSF adding the value of program income
received to the awarded amount. Program income reporting is due annually on November 15th.
NSF requires that all cumulative program income is reported for all open grants and agreements
in the current year. CUAHSI recorded $293,591 of program income for the year ended
December 31, 2019. This amount should have been deducted from the grant drawdowns for the
year ended December 31, 2019 in accordance with the criteria listed above. There was no audit
evidence to support whether the grant revenue was adjusted on the drawdowns. These matters
warrant resolution as they may have subsequent adverse impacts. They may ultimately need to
be addressed by the oversight agencies.
Criteria
Pursuant to 2 CFR 200 for award objectives and the regulations at 2 CFR 200.307, program
income is defined as “Gross income earned by the recipient that is directly generated by a
supported activity or earned as a result of the federal award during the period of performance” by
2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements
for Federal Awards.Criteria (continued)
CUAHSI lacked comprehensive documentation demonstrating the proper authorization,
allocation, and approval processes for the utilization of program income. 2 CFR 200.307
mandates that clear documentation be maintained to support the proper allocation of program
income and its alignment with the program's goals. The non-compliance with program income
regulations, as outlined in this finding, highlights the need for corrective action to align
CUAHSI’s practices with the stipulated regulations. Management's commitment to addressing
these issues will play a pivotal role in rectifying the deficiencies identified during the audit.
Effect
This is a violation of the terms and conditions of the federal contract with the NSF. Noncompliance
can lead to penalties, fines, or even termination of the contract. It may also damage
CUAHSI’s reputation and future eligibility for federal funding and jeopardize CUAHSI’s ability
to secure future grants or contracts from other funding agencies. Granting organizations typically
prioritize funding recipients with a track record of compliance and accountability.
Cause
Lack of resources and detailed attention to the risks, along with circumvention of controls has
resulted in weak internal controls, and conflicting or incomplete policies and procedures.
Recommendation
The auditor recommends that CUAHSI develops and implements controls over policies
consistent with 2 CFR 200.307.Current Year Status
This condition still exists for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the completion of the
audit, the auditor noted that CUAHSI failed to submit the required Program Income Reporting
Worksheet by the required deadline of forty five (45) days after the end of the year to ensure
with the program income policies in accordance with the UG for the year ended December 31,
2020.
View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action
See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
MW2020-005 SUBRECIPIENT MONITORING (REPEAT FINDING) (PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS
MW2019-002)
Condition
The auditee failed to comply with federal regulations requiring the monitoring of subrecipients
for federal awards. Recipients of federal awards are responsible for monitoring the activities of
subrecipients to ensure that they comply with applicable laws, regulations, and the terms and
conditions of the federal award. The auditee did not maintain any documentation to demonstrate
that they fulfilled this responsibility. This noncompliance with the monitoring requirement could
result in the mismanagement of federal funds, including the inappropriate expenditure of funds
or the failure to achieve program objectives.
Criteria
The regulations are documented in 31 USC 7502(f)(2), 2 CFR sections 200.330, .331, and
.501(h); (Requirements for Pass-Through Entities). The criteria for monitoring subrecipients of
federal awards should be following federal regulations, the terms of the federal contract, and any
additional requirements specified by the auditee's policies and procedures. Specifically, the
monitoring criteria should include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Subrecipient Risk Assessment
• Financial Monitoring
• Compliance Monitoring
• Reporting and Documentation
Cause
CUAHSI had a policy and procedure manual in place which outlined the steps for monitoring.
The was no audit evidence of anyone following it and monitoring that the subrecipient was using
the funding as prescribed. There was a lack of management oversight.Effect
CUAHSI is not in compliance with the requirements for monitoring and thus creating the
possible misuse or improper use of funds.
Recommendation
The auditor recommends that management review the requirements documented in 31 USC
7502(f)(2), 2 CFR sections 200.330, .331, and .501(h);(Requirements for Pass-Through Entities)
and develops and implements procedures to adhere to such requirements.
Current Year Status
This condition still exists for the year ended December 31, 2020. The monitoring of
subrecipients was not completed in a reasonable timeframe in accordance with the policies set
forth in the UG.
View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action
See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
MW2020-006 CASH MANAGEMENT (REPEAT FINDING) (PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS MW2019-
003)
Condition
The cash management process requires that cash draws be reviewed and approved to ensure the
propriety of draw reimbursement requests. Management was unable to provide the auditor
evidence documenting approval of the drawdowns for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Criteria
2 CFR Part 200 states that entities expending federal grants must establish and maintain effective
internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal
entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the
terms and conditions of the Federal award. To comply with 2 CFR Part 200, it is required to
submit monthly invoices for the funds received under the federal contract. These invoices will
serve as a record of the services or goods provided during the specified period and will facilitate
accurate tracking and reporting of the funds. In addition to the invoice, any supporting
documentation, such as timesheets, should be maintained with the invoices. The cash
management process should also be adjusted for the receipt of program income.
These documents validate the services provided and ensure transparency and auditability of the
invoiced amount. These amounts should be able to be traced to the general ledger in conjunction
with the time in which they are billed.
Effect
Grant awards and reimbursements may not be recorded correctly and there is a higher risk of
error or misappropriation of assets.Cause
CUAHSI had no fiscal management team during the year ended December 31, 2019, and that all
the books and records for that year had to be recreated from bank statements by and outside
bookkeeping company years after the fact.
Recommendation
The auditor recommends CUAHSI develop and implement controls to ensure an adequate review
process is in place for review of reimbursement requests submitted to granting agencies to ensure
consistent reporting.
Current Year Status
This condition still exists for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the completion of the
audit procedures, the auditor noted that CUAHSI failed to maintain and provide the proper
records and support to reconcile the federal award reimbursements and document their review
and approval process for the year ended December 31, 2020.
View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action
See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
MW2020-007 PROCUREMENT, SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT (REPEAT FINDING)
(PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS MW2019-004)
Condition
CUAHSI had a policy in place regarding procurement of which they were unable to provide any
documentation that they complied with the policy. There was no documentation for one payment
made to the Board Member for $15,000. While there were invoices for the remaining amounts,
there was no documentation maintained that showed CUAHSI verified expenses were incurred
from vendors that were not suspended or debarred.
Criteria
The requirements for this compliance requirement are contained in 2 CFR sections 200.317-
200.326; 48 CFR parts 03, 15, 44, and the clauses at 48 CRF sections 52.244-2, 52.244-5,
52.203-13, 52.203-16 and 52.215-12; agency FAR supplements; 2 CFR part 180; OMB M-18-
18; and the terms and conditions of the federal award. There is a requirement to verify that
contractors in covered transactions or any of its vendors are not federally debarred, suspended, or
excluded.
Cause
CUAHSI has a policy in place to meet the procurement requirements but there was no evidence
of compliance with that policy.
Effect
CUAHSI is not in compliance with UG requirements, there could be future legal action, the
repayment of funds, loss of reputation and possible suspension or debarment.Recommendation
It is recommended that CUAHSI strive to prioritize compliance. CUAHSI should ensure that, to
the extent practicable, the use of a competitive procurement process in compliance with 2 CFR
section 200/317.
Current Year Status
This condition still exists for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the completion of the
audit, the auditor noted that CUAHSI failed to maintain and provide the proper records and
support to document their review of vendor files. Such failure led to non-compliance with the
procurement, suspension and debarment policies in accordance with the UG for the year ended
December 31, 2020.
View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action
See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
MW2020-008 FEDERAL DRAWDOWNS IN ADVANCE OF EXPENDITURES (REPEAT FINDING)
(PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS MW2019-009)
Condition
Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2019, CUAHSI drew down approximately
$1,300,000 from National Science Foundation (“NSF”) based on information that there was
going to be a government shutdown. Federal funds are required to be to be drawn down on a
reimbursement basis and not in advance of the expenditures. The funds were not returned to NSF
after it became clear that there would not be a government shutdown.
Criteria
CFR § 200.305 Cash management: This section of the CFR outlines the requirements for the
management of cash drawdowns and disbursements of federal funds. Federal funds should be
disbursed in a timely manner for allowable costs that have been incurred.
Cause
CUAHSI had insufficient funds available to “float” operating expenses.
Effect
Drawing down funds in advance of incurring eligible expenses could lead to non-compliance
with federal regulations, such as those outlined in 2 CFR § 200.305. This may result in the need
to repay the funds, potential financial penalties, or disqualification from future federal funding.Recommendation
The auditor recommends that CUAHSI develops and implements controls over policies
consistent with 2 CFR 200.35.
Current Year Status
This condition still exists for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the completion of the
audit, the auditor noted that during 2020, CUAHSI had advance drawdowns totaling $3,610,240
from the NSF. Of this amount, CUAHSI incurred $2,521,926 in eligible expenses for the year
ended December 31, 2020. This resulted in $1,088,314 in federal advances as of year-end. The
draw downs in excess of revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2020 is
reported as part of deferred revenue in the accompanying Statement of Financial Position.
View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action
See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
MW2020-009 PROGRAM INCOME (REPEAT FINDING) (PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS MW2019-
011)
Condition
The use of program income generated through a federally funded program will be governed by
the terms and conditions of the federal grant award, or sub-award, are subject to the same
allowability requirements in 2 CFR 200 for same award objectives and the regulations at 2 CFR
200.307. Program income is defined as “Gross income earned by the recipient that is directly
generated by a supported activity or earned as a result of the federal award during the period of
performance” by 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
Program income consists of registration fees collected for training, meetings or workshops and
the proceeds from the sale of publications as a result of the federal award during the period of
performance. Program income is treated as an additive to the federal funds received by CUAHSI.
During a drawdown, program income reduces the amount that is requested to cover reimbursable
costs through the Flexible Billing module. This allows program income to be applied to the
award before a reimbursement is requested from NSF adding the value of program income
received to the awarded amount. Program income reporting is due annually on November 15th.
NSF requires that all cumulative program income is reported for all open grants and agreements
in the current year. CUAHSI recorded $293,591 of program income for the year ended
December 31, 2019. This amount should have been deducted from the grant drawdowns for the
year ended December 31, 2019 in accordance with the criteria listed above. There was no audit
evidence to support whether the grant revenue was adjusted on the drawdowns. These matters
warrant resolution as they may have subsequent adverse impacts. They may ultimately need to
be addressed by the oversight agencies.
Criteria
Pursuant to 2 CFR 200 for award objectives and the regulations at 2 CFR 200.307, program
income is defined as “Gross income earned by the recipient that is directly generated by a
supported activity or earned as a result of the federal award during the period of performance” by
2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements
for Federal Awards.Criteria (continued)
CUAHSI lacked comprehensive documentation demonstrating the proper authorization,
allocation, and approval processes for the utilization of program income. 2 CFR 200.307
mandates that clear documentation be maintained to support the proper allocation of program
income and its alignment with the program's goals. The non-compliance with program income
regulations, as outlined in this finding, highlights the need for corrective action to align
CUAHSI’s practices with the stipulated regulations. Management's commitment to addressing
these issues will play a pivotal role in rectifying the deficiencies identified during the audit.
Effect
This is a violation of the terms and conditions of the federal contract with the NSF. Noncompliance
can lead to penalties, fines, or even termination of the contract. It may also damage
CUAHSI’s reputation and future eligibility for federal funding and jeopardize CUAHSI’s ability
to secure future grants or contracts from other funding agencies. Granting organizations typically
prioritize funding recipients with a track record of compliance and accountability.
Cause
Lack of resources and detailed attention to the risks, along with circumvention of controls has
resulted in weak internal controls, and conflicting or incomplete policies and procedures.
Recommendation
The auditor recommends that CUAHSI develops and implements controls over policies
consistent with 2 CFR 200.307.Current Year Status
This condition still exists for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the completion of the
audit, the auditor noted that CUAHSI failed to submit the required Program Income Reporting
Worksheet by the required deadline of forty five (45) days after the end of the year to ensure
with the program income policies in accordance with the UG for the year ended December 31,
2020.
View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action
See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.