Audit 334797

FY End
2023-12-31
Total Expended
$18.42M
Findings
6
Programs
25
Organization: Grant County (WA)
Year: 2023 Accepted: 2024-12-26

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
516900 2023-002 Material Weakness - M
516901 2023-002 Material Weakness - M
516902 2023-002 Material Weakness - M
1093342 2023-002 Material Weakness - M
1093343 2023-002 Material Weakness - M
1093344 2023-002 Material Weakness - M

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
20.205 Highway Planning and Construction $7.09M - 0
14.231 Covid 19 - Emergency Solutions Grant Program $478,196 - 0
14.228 Community Development Block Grants/state's Program and Non-Entitlement Grants in Hawaii $354,771 Yes 0
16.738 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program $180,782 - 0
93.959 Covid 19 - Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse $163,771 - 0
16.575 Crime Victim Assistance $157,911 - 0
93.563 Child Support Services $89,784 - 0
16.585 Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program $82,836 - 0
95.001 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program $69,021 - 0
97.042 Emergency Management Performance Grants $43,858 - 0
93.671 Covid 19 - Family Violence Prevention and Services/domestic Violence Shelter and Supportive Services $31,091 - 0
93.671 Family Violence Prevention and Services/domestic Violence Shelter and Supportive Services $30,095 - 0
14.228 Covid 19 - Community Development Block Grants/state's Program and Non-Entitlement Grants in Hawaii $28,377 Yes 0
20.600 State and Community Highway Safety $24,549 - 0
93.958 Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services $23,791 - 0
16.554 National Criminal History Improvement Program (nchip) $22,233 - 0
16.U01 Crime Victim Assistance $19,441 - 0
16.588 Violence Against Women Formula Grants $17,729 - 0
97.067 Homeland Security Grant Program $15,059 - 0
97.012 Boating Safety Financial Assistance $14,932 - 0
97.024 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program $10,800 - 0
93.959 Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse $8,376 - 0
14.276 Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program $8,029 - 0
97.039 Hazard Mitigation Grant $6,111 - 0
21.027 Covid 19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $4,919 Yes 1

Contacts

Name Title Type
ZL6WM26K8KR5 Mandy Kim Auditee
5097542011 Mandy Wilson Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Note 3 - Indirect Costs Accounting Policies: This Schedule is prepared on the same basis of accounting as the county’s financial statements. The county uses the cash basis of accounting. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The county has not elected to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The county used a grantor directed 8% indirect cost rate for the following grants. The total amount expended from these grants was $19,600.16. The breakdown of total indirect costs is included below: ALN INDIRECT COSTS INDIRECT COST RATE 93.243 2,721.26 8% 93.788 8,529.93 8% 93.959 8,154.98 8% 97.024 193.99 3.33%
Title: Note 4 - Program Costs Accounting Policies: This Schedule is prepared on the same basis of accounting as the county’s financial statements. The county uses the cash basis of accounting. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The county has not elected to use the 10-percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The amounts shown as current year expenditures represent only the federal grant portion of the program costs. Entire program costs, including the county’s portion, are more than shown. Such expenditures are recognized following, as applicable, either the cost principles in the OMB Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, or the cost principles contained in Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement.

Finding Details

The County did not have adequate internal controls for ensuring compliance with federal subrecipient monitoring requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 – COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: WA State Department of Commerce Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 21-4619C-108 Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The purpose of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program is to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative effects on public health and the economy, provide premium pay to essential workers during the pandemic, provide government services to the extent COVID-19 caused a reduction in revenues collected, and make necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure. During 2023, the County spent $8,167,780 in program funds. Of this, it passed through $5,777,956 of the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Eviction Rent Assistance program funding to three subrecipients. Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. Whenever the County passes on federal funding to subrecipients, federal regulations require it to monitor subrecipients to ensure they comply with the terms and conditions of the federal award. For this subaward, monitoring would include verifying the subrecipients only provided assistance to participants who met the program eligibility requirements. Further, subrecipient requirements require the County to verify whether the awardee received an audit if they expended more than $750,000 in federal awards, and to follow up on any findings issued. Description of Condition Our audit found the County did not have internal controls in place to monitor its subrecipients, as federal regulations require. Specifically, the County did not obtain documentation from three subrecipients to ensure the program participants were eligible for the Eviction Rent Assistance Program from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Further, the County did not ensure it checked whether one subrecipient expended more than $750,000 in federal awards or received an audit. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition During 2023, the County experienced turnover in the position responsible for performing subrecipient monitoring procedures, and it did not have procedures to ensure it performed the required monitoring. Effect of Condition The County did not monitor subrecipients to ensure they complied with the terms and conditions of the subaward and appropriately used federal program funds. Since the County did not monitor its subrecipients, it was unable to confirm only eligible households received assistance. Further, without verifying a subrecipient received a single audit, the County would be unaware if any findings were issued relating to program requirements that would require follow-up. Recommendation We recommend the County establish procedures to perform monitoring activities, including verifying whether participants were eligible for services and ensuring subrecipients receive an audit as required by federal regulations. County’s Response Grant County and staff thank the State Auditor’s Office for their time in conducting a thorough audit. Unfortunately, staff turnover and transition of acquainted and well-versed personnel in key departments are contributing factors to the deficiencies noted. The County is committed to continuing to improve processes and procedures over internal controls and in making internal controls a priority by putting in place necessary policies and procedures to ensure all grant contracts/agreements have internal controls identified and monitored. The County will put in place a sub-recipient agreement/contract checklist to be completed at the department level. This checklist will provide internal controls to ensure all items for this type of agreement/contract have been met per Uniform Guidance. A review of the checklist to ensure all required items have been addressed will be performed annually, if not more frequently. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the County for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improve the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our next audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 332, Requirements for passthrough entities, establishes the requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management requirements for pass through entities
The County did not have adequate internal controls for ensuring compliance with federal subrecipient monitoring requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 – COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: WA State Department of Commerce Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 21-4619C-108 Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The purpose of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program is to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative effects on public health and the economy, provide premium pay to essential workers during the pandemic, provide government services to the extent COVID-19 caused a reduction in revenues collected, and make necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure. During 2023, the County spent $8,167,780 in program funds. Of this, it passed through $5,777,956 of the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Eviction Rent Assistance program funding to three subrecipients. Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. Whenever the County passes on federal funding to subrecipients, federal regulations require it to monitor subrecipients to ensure they comply with the terms and conditions of the federal award. For this subaward, monitoring would include verifying the subrecipients only provided assistance to participants who met the program eligibility requirements. Further, subrecipient requirements require the County to verify whether the awardee received an audit if they expended more than $750,000 in federal awards, and to follow up on any findings issued. Description of Condition Our audit found the County did not have internal controls in place to monitor its subrecipients, as federal regulations require. Specifically, the County did not obtain documentation from three subrecipients to ensure the program participants were eligible for the Eviction Rent Assistance Program from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Further, the County did not ensure it checked whether one subrecipient expended more than $750,000 in federal awards or received an audit. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition During 2023, the County experienced turnover in the position responsible for performing subrecipient monitoring procedures, and it did not have procedures to ensure it performed the required monitoring. Effect of Condition The County did not monitor subrecipients to ensure they complied with the terms and conditions of the subaward and appropriately used federal program funds. Since the County did not monitor its subrecipients, it was unable to confirm only eligible households received assistance. Further, without verifying a subrecipient received a single audit, the County would be unaware if any findings were issued relating to program requirements that would require follow-up. Recommendation We recommend the County establish procedures to perform monitoring activities, including verifying whether participants were eligible for services and ensuring subrecipients receive an audit as required by federal regulations. County’s Response Grant County and staff thank the State Auditor’s Office for their time in conducting a thorough audit. Unfortunately, staff turnover and transition of acquainted and well-versed personnel in key departments are contributing factors to the deficiencies noted. The County is committed to continuing to improve processes and procedures over internal controls and in making internal controls a priority by putting in place necessary policies and procedures to ensure all grant contracts/agreements have internal controls identified and monitored. The County will put in place a sub-recipient agreement/contract checklist to be completed at the department level. This checklist will provide internal controls to ensure all items for this type of agreement/contract have been met per Uniform Guidance. A review of the checklist to ensure all required items have been addressed will be performed annually, if not more frequently. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the County for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improve the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our next audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 332, Requirements for passthrough entities, establishes the requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management requirements for pass through entities
The County did not have adequate internal controls for ensuring compliance with federal subrecipient monitoring requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 – COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: WA State Department of Commerce Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 21-4619C-108 Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The purpose of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program is to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative effects on public health and the economy, provide premium pay to essential workers during the pandemic, provide government services to the extent COVID-19 caused a reduction in revenues collected, and make necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure. During 2023, the County spent $8,167,780 in program funds. Of this, it passed through $5,777,956 of the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Eviction Rent Assistance program funding to three subrecipients. Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. Whenever the County passes on federal funding to subrecipients, federal regulations require it to monitor subrecipients to ensure they comply with the terms and conditions of the federal award. For this subaward, monitoring would include verifying the subrecipients only provided assistance to participants who met the program eligibility requirements. Further, subrecipient requirements require the County to verify whether the awardee received an audit if they expended more than $750,000 in federal awards, and to follow up on any findings issued. Description of Condition Our audit found the County did not have internal controls in place to monitor its subrecipients, as federal regulations require. Specifically, the County did not obtain documentation from three subrecipients to ensure the program participants were eligible for the Eviction Rent Assistance Program from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Further, the County did not ensure it checked whether one subrecipient expended more than $750,000 in federal awards or received an audit. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition During 2023, the County experienced turnover in the position responsible for performing subrecipient monitoring procedures, and it did not have procedures to ensure it performed the required monitoring. Effect of Condition The County did not monitor subrecipients to ensure they complied with the terms and conditions of the subaward and appropriately used federal program funds. Since the County did not monitor its subrecipients, it was unable to confirm only eligible households received assistance. Further, without verifying a subrecipient received a single audit, the County would be unaware if any findings were issued relating to program requirements that would require follow-up. Recommendation We recommend the County establish procedures to perform monitoring activities, including verifying whether participants were eligible for services and ensuring subrecipients receive an audit as required by federal regulations. County’s Response Grant County and staff thank the State Auditor’s Office for their time in conducting a thorough audit. Unfortunately, staff turnover and transition of acquainted and well-versed personnel in key departments are contributing factors to the deficiencies noted. The County is committed to continuing to improve processes and procedures over internal controls and in making internal controls a priority by putting in place necessary policies and procedures to ensure all grant contracts/agreements have internal controls identified and monitored. The County will put in place a sub-recipient agreement/contract checklist to be completed at the department level. This checklist will provide internal controls to ensure all items for this type of agreement/contract have been met per Uniform Guidance. A review of the checklist to ensure all required items have been addressed will be performed annually, if not more frequently. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the County for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improve the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our next audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 332, Requirements for passthrough entities, establishes the requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management requirements for pass through entities
The County did not have adequate internal controls for ensuring compliance with federal subrecipient monitoring requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 – COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: WA State Department of Commerce Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 21-4619C-108 Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The purpose of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program is to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative effects on public health and the economy, provide premium pay to essential workers during the pandemic, provide government services to the extent COVID-19 caused a reduction in revenues collected, and make necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure. During 2023, the County spent $8,167,780 in program funds. Of this, it passed through $5,777,956 of the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Eviction Rent Assistance program funding to three subrecipients. Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. Whenever the County passes on federal funding to subrecipients, federal regulations require it to monitor subrecipients to ensure they comply with the terms and conditions of the federal award. For this subaward, monitoring would include verifying the subrecipients only provided assistance to participants who met the program eligibility requirements. Further, subrecipient requirements require the County to verify whether the awardee received an audit if they expended more than $750,000 in federal awards, and to follow up on any findings issued. Description of Condition Our audit found the County did not have internal controls in place to monitor its subrecipients, as federal regulations require. Specifically, the County did not obtain documentation from three subrecipients to ensure the program participants were eligible for the Eviction Rent Assistance Program from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Further, the County did not ensure it checked whether one subrecipient expended more than $750,000 in federal awards or received an audit. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition During 2023, the County experienced turnover in the position responsible for performing subrecipient monitoring procedures, and it did not have procedures to ensure it performed the required monitoring. Effect of Condition The County did not monitor subrecipients to ensure they complied with the terms and conditions of the subaward and appropriately used federal program funds. Since the County did not monitor its subrecipients, it was unable to confirm only eligible households received assistance. Further, without verifying a subrecipient received a single audit, the County would be unaware if any findings were issued relating to program requirements that would require follow-up. Recommendation We recommend the County establish procedures to perform monitoring activities, including verifying whether participants were eligible for services and ensuring subrecipients receive an audit as required by federal regulations. County’s Response Grant County and staff thank the State Auditor’s Office for their time in conducting a thorough audit. Unfortunately, staff turnover and transition of acquainted and well-versed personnel in key departments are contributing factors to the deficiencies noted. The County is committed to continuing to improve processes and procedures over internal controls and in making internal controls a priority by putting in place necessary policies and procedures to ensure all grant contracts/agreements have internal controls identified and monitored. The County will put in place a sub-recipient agreement/contract checklist to be completed at the department level. This checklist will provide internal controls to ensure all items for this type of agreement/contract have been met per Uniform Guidance. A review of the checklist to ensure all required items have been addressed will be performed annually, if not more frequently. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the County for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improve the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our next audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 332, Requirements for passthrough entities, establishes the requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management requirements for pass through entities
The County did not have adequate internal controls for ensuring compliance with federal subrecipient monitoring requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 – COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: WA State Department of Commerce Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 21-4619C-108 Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The purpose of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program is to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative effects on public health and the economy, provide premium pay to essential workers during the pandemic, provide government services to the extent COVID-19 caused a reduction in revenues collected, and make necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure. During 2023, the County spent $8,167,780 in program funds. Of this, it passed through $5,777,956 of the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Eviction Rent Assistance program funding to three subrecipients. Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. Whenever the County passes on federal funding to subrecipients, federal regulations require it to monitor subrecipients to ensure they comply with the terms and conditions of the federal award. For this subaward, monitoring would include verifying the subrecipients only provided assistance to participants who met the program eligibility requirements. Further, subrecipient requirements require the County to verify whether the awardee received an audit if they expended more than $750,000 in federal awards, and to follow up on any findings issued. Description of Condition Our audit found the County did not have internal controls in place to monitor its subrecipients, as federal regulations require. Specifically, the County did not obtain documentation from three subrecipients to ensure the program participants were eligible for the Eviction Rent Assistance Program from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Further, the County did not ensure it checked whether one subrecipient expended more than $750,000 in federal awards or received an audit. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition During 2023, the County experienced turnover in the position responsible for performing subrecipient monitoring procedures, and it did not have procedures to ensure it performed the required monitoring. Effect of Condition The County did not monitor subrecipients to ensure they complied with the terms and conditions of the subaward and appropriately used federal program funds. Since the County did not monitor its subrecipients, it was unable to confirm only eligible households received assistance. Further, without verifying a subrecipient received a single audit, the County would be unaware if any findings were issued relating to program requirements that would require follow-up. Recommendation We recommend the County establish procedures to perform monitoring activities, including verifying whether participants were eligible for services and ensuring subrecipients receive an audit as required by federal regulations. County’s Response Grant County and staff thank the State Auditor’s Office for their time in conducting a thorough audit. Unfortunately, staff turnover and transition of acquainted and well-versed personnel in key departments are contributing factors to the deficiencies noted. The County is committed to continuing to improve processes and procedures over internal controls and in making internal controls a priority by putting in place necessary policies and procedures to ensure all grant contracts/agreements have internal controls identified and monitored. The County will put in place a sub-recipient agreement/contract checklist to be completed at the department level. This checklist will provide internal controls to ensure all items for this type of agreement/contract have been met per Uniform Guidance. A review of the checklist to ensure all required items have been addressed will be performed annually, if not more frequently. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the County for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improve the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our next audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 332, Requirements for passthrough entities, establishes the requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management requirements for pass through entities
The County did not have adequate internal controls for ensuring compliance with federal subrecipient monitoring requirements. Assistance Listing Number and Title: 21.027 – COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Grantor Name: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Award/Contract Number: N/A Pass-through Entity Name: WA State Department of Commerce Pass-through Award/Contract Number: 21-4619C-108 Known Questioned Cost Amount: $0 Prior Year Audit Finding: N/A Background The purpose of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program is to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative effects on public health and the economy, provide premium pay to essential workers during the pandemic, provide government services to the extent COVID-19 caused a reduction in revenues collected, and make necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure. During 2023, the County spent $8,167,780 in program funds. Of this, it passed through $5,777,956 of the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Eviction Rent Assistance program funding to three subrecipients. Federal regulations require recipients to establish and maintain internal controls that ensure compliance with program requirements. These controls include understanding program requirements and monitoring the effectiveness of established controls. Whenever the County passes on federal funding to subrecipients, federal regulations require it to monitor subrecipients to ensure they comply with the terms and conditions of the federal award. For this subaward, monitoring would include verifying the subrecipients only provided assistance to participants who met the program eligibility requirements. Further, subrecipient requirements require the County to verify whether the awardee received an audit if they expended more than $750,000 in federal awards, and to follow up on any findings issued. Description of Condition Our audit found the County did not have internal controls in place to monitor its subrecipients, as federal regulations require. Specifically, the County did not obtain documentation from three subrecipients to ensure the program participants were eligible for the Eviction Rent Assistance Program from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Further, the County did not ensure it checked whether one subrecipient expended more than $750,000 in federal awards or received an audit. We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance. Cause of Condition During 2023, the County experienced turnover in the position responsible for performing subrecipient monitoring procedures, and it did not have procedures to ensure it performed the required monitoring. Effect of Condition The County did not monitor subrecipients to ensure they complied with the terms and conditions of the subaward and appropriately used federal program funds. Since the County did not monitor its subrecipients, it was unable to confirm only eligible households received assistance. Further, without verifying a subrecipient received a single audit, the County would be unaware if any findings were issued relating to program requirements that would require follow-up. Recommendation We recommend the County establish procedures to perform monitoring activities, including verifying whether participants were eligible for services and ensuring subrecipients receive an audit as required by federal regulations. County’s Response Grant County and staff thank the State Auditor’s Office for their time in conducting a thorough audit. Unfortunately, staff turnover and transition of acquainted and well-versed personnel in key departments are contributing factors to the deficiencies noted. The County is committed to continuing to improve processes and procedures over internal controls and in making internal controls a priority by putting in place necessary policies and procedures to ensure all grant contracts/agreements have internal controls identified and monitored. The County will put in place a sub-recipient agreement/contract checklist to be completed at the department level. This checklist will provide internal controls to ensure all items for this type of agreement/contract have been met per Uniform Guidance. A review of the checklist to ensure all required items have been addressed will be performed annually, if not more frequently. Auditor’s Remarks We thank the County for its cooperation and assistance during the audit and acknowledge its commitment to improve the condition described. We will review the status of this issue during our next audit. Applicable Laws and Regulations Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 516, Audit findings, establishes reporting requirements for audit findings. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 303, Internal controls, describes the requirements for auditees to maintain internal controls over federal programs and comply with federal program requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants defines significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in its Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, section 935, Compliance Audits, paragraph 11. Title 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Guidance, section 332, Requirements for passthrough entities, establishes the requirements for subrecipient monitoring and management requirements for pass through entities