Audit 345909

FY End
2024-06-30
Total Expended
$9.97M
Findings
40
Programs
21
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2025-03-13

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
526816 2024-003 Material Weakness - FN
526817 2024-004 Significant Deficiency Yes G
526818 2024-004 Significant Deficiency Yes G
526819 2024-005 Material Weakness - I
526820 2024-005 Material Weakness - I
526821 2024-005 Material Weakness - I
526822 2024-005 Material Weakness - I
526823 2024-006 Material Weakness - F
526824 2024-006 Material Weakness - F
526825 2024-006 Material Weakness - F
526826 2024-006 Material Weakness - F
526827 2024-007 Material Weakness - L
526828 2024-007 Material Weakness - L
526829 2024-007 Material Weakness - L
526830 2024-007 Material Weakness - L
526831 2024-007 Material Weakness - L
526832 2024-008 Material Weakness - N
526833 2024-008 Material Weakness - N
526834 2024-008 Material Weakness - N
526835 2024-008 Material Weakness - N
1103258 2024-003 Material Weakness - FN
1103259 2024-004 Significant Deficiency Yes G
1103260 2024-004 Significant Deficiency Yes G
1103261 2024-005 Material Weakness - I
1103262 2024-005 Material Weakness - I
1103263 2024-005 Material Weakness - I
1103264 2024-005 Material Weakness - I
1103265 2024-006 Material Weakness - F
1103266 2024-006 Material Weakness - F
1103267 2024-006 Material Weakness - F
1103268 2024-006 Material Weakness - F
1103269 2024-007 Material Weakness - L
1103270 2024-007 Material Weakness - L
1103271 2024-007 Material Weakness - L
1103272 2024-007 Material Weakness - L
1103273 2024-007 Material Weakness - L
1103274 2024-008 Material Weakness - N
1103275 2024-008 Material Weakness - N
1103276 2024-008 Material Weakness - N
1103277 2024-008 Material Weakness - N

Contacts

Name Title Type
G5GCLL7J2GN3 Tim Scott Auditee
5746547273 Beth Kelley, Cpa, Cfe Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Note 3. South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative Accounting Policies: Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies A. Basis of Presentation The accompanying Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) includes the federal award activity of the School Corporation under programs of the federal government for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2024. The information in the SEFA is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because the SEFA presents only a select portion of the operations of the School Corporation, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position of the School Corporation. The Uniform Guidance requires an annual audit of nonfederal entities expending a total amount of federal awards equal to or in excess of $750,000 in any fiscal year unless by constitution or statute a less frequent audit is required. In accordance with Indiana Code (IC 5-11-1-25), audits of school corporations shall be conducted biennially. Such audits shall include both years within the biennial period. B. Other Significant Accounting Policies Expenditures reported on the SEFA are reported on the cash basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. When federal grants are received on a reimbursement basis, the federal awards are considered expended when the reimbursement is received. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: Note 2. Indirect Cost Rate The School Corporation has elected not to use the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). As a result, the activity for the Special Education Cluster (IDEA) that is presented on the SEFA is not presented as receipts and disbursements in the financial statement for the School Corporation. This activity is presented in the financial statement of the Cooperative's fiscal agent.

Finding Details

FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Emergency Connectivity Fund Program - Equipment and Real Property Management, Special Tests and Provisions - Restricted Purpose Federal Agency: Federal Communications Commission Federal Program: Emergency Connectivity Fund Program Assistance Listings Number: 32.009 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): FY 2022 Compliance Requirements: Equipment and Real Property Management, Special Tests and Provisions - Restricted Purpose Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation purchased iPads and Wi-Fi hotspots during the audit period with Emergency Connectivity Fund Program grant monies to meet the remote learning needs of students or staff who would otherwise lack access to connected devices and or broadband connections sufficient to engage in remote learning. The School Corporation had established an internal control over the distribution of iPads but did not establish an internal control over the distribution of Wi-Fi hotspots. The School Corporation was unable to provide a listing of all students or staff who were provided with Wi-Fi hotspots or an inventory record of all Wi-Fi hotspots distributed to students. Additionally, the School Corporation did not maintain appropriate inventory records over the Wi-Fi hotspots. The School Corporation could not verify that they were only reimbursed for no more than one Wi-Fi hotspot per student or school staff member. The total noncompliance was limited to Wi-Fi hotspot expenditures of $105,640. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance for Wi-Fi hotspots was systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." 47 CFR 54.1706(c) states: "Emergency Connectivity Fund support for eligible equipment and services is limited to no more than one fixed broadband internet access connection per location, and one connected device and one Wi-Fi hotspot device per student, school staff member, or library patron. For purposes of the per-location limitation imposed on fixed broadband internet access services in this paragraph (c), each unit in a multi-tenant environment is a separate location for purposes of this paragraph (c)." Cause The service provider had a record of the Wi-Fi hotspots; however, the hotspots were not identifiable by student. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system for Wi-Fi hotspots enabled noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement for the Equipment and Real Property Management and the Special Tests and Provisions - Restricted Purpose compliance requirements could result in the repayment of federal funds INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements for the Equipment and Real Property Management and the Special Test and Provisions - Restricted Purpose. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 22611-053-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Due to the timing of the Cooperative's corrective action, the nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for the grant award number 22611-053-PN01. From the beginning of the grant awards until March 2023, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in March 2023, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through March 2023, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 grant award. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in March 2023, most of the grant award had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member schools. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 22611-053-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Due to the timing of the Cooperative's corrective action, the nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for the grant award number 22611-053-PN01. From the beginning of the grant awards until March 2023, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in March 2023, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through March 2023, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 grant award. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in March 2023, most of the grant award had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member schools. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-053-PN01; 22611-053-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. Procurement - Small Purchase When the value of the procurement for property or services is within the small purchase threshold, or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, quotes and a contract are required. The small purchase threshold is between $10,000 and $150,000; however, the threshold between $10,000 and $50,000 require quotes from an adequate number of qualified sources. Indiana Code 5-22-8 has more restrictive requirements for the small purchase threshold between $50,000 and $150,000, which require three quotes and a contract to be awarded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) In fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative had five vendors which fell within the small purchase threshold and all five vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain quotes or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total amount spent with all five vendors was $292,806. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 2022-2023. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Six vendors paid from the grant funds were identified as being covered transactions during the audit period. Three vendors each fiscal year provided goods or services which equaled or exceeded $25,000 and were selected for testing. The total amount spent on covered transactions was $266,063 and $142,639 for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, respectively. For all six vendors, the Cooperative did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 and 22611-053-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures within the small purchase threshold and for suspension and debarment. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds are procured using the required methods and are not suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Without following the required methods for procurement and suspension and debarment, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services or could be paying vendors who are precluded from receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used for vendors that are within the small purchase threshold and to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension and debarment. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-053-PN01; 22611-053-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. Procurement - Small Purchase When the value of the procurement for property or services is within the small purchase threshold, or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, quotes and a contract are required. The small purchase threshold is between $10,000 and $150,000; however, the threshold between $10,000 and $50,000 require quotes from an adequate number of qualified sources. Indiana Code 5-22-8 has more restrictive requirements for the small purchase threshold between $50,000 and $150,000, which require three quotes and a contract to be awarded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) In fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative had five vendors which fell within the small purchase threshold and all five vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain quotes or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total amount spent with all five vendors was $292,806. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 2022-2023. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Six vendors paid from the grant funds were identified as being covered transactions during the audit period. Three vendors each fiscal year provided goods or services which equaled or exceeded $25,000 and were selected for testing. The total amount spent on covered transactions was $266,063 and $142,639 for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, respectively. For all six vendors, the Cooperative did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 and 22611-053-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures within the small purchase threshold and for suspension and debarment. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds are procured using the required methods and are not suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Without following the required methods for procurement and suspension and debarment, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services or could be paying vendors who are precluded from receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used for vendors that are within the small purchase threshold and to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension and debarment. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-053-PN01; 22611-053-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. Procurement - Small Purchase When the value of the procurement for property or services is within the small purchase threshold, or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, quotes and a contract are required. The small purchase threshold is between $10,000 and $150,000; however, the threshold between $10,000 and $50,000 require quotes from an adequate number of qualified sources. Indiana Code 5-22-8 has more restrictive requirements for the small purchase threshold between $50,000 and $150,000, which require three quotes and a contract to be awarded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) In fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative had five vendors which fell within the small purchase threshold and all five vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain quotes or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total amount spent with all five vendors was $292,806. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 2022-2023. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Six vendors paid from the grant funds were identified as being covered transactions during the audit period. Three vendors each fiscal year provided goods or services which equaled or exceeded $25,000 and were selected for testing. The total amount spent on covered transactions was $266,063 and $142,639 for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, respectively. For all six vendors, the Cooperative did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 and 22611-053-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures within the small purchase threshold and for suspension and debarment. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds are procured using the required methods and are not suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Without following the required methods for procurement and suspension and debarment, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services or could be paying vendors who are precluded from receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used for vendors that are within the small purchase threshold and to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension and debarment. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-053-PN01; 22611-053-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. Procurement - Small Purchase When the value of the procurement for property or services is within the small purchase threshold, or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, quotes and a contract are required. The small purchase threshold is between $10,000 and $150,000; however, the threshold between $10,000 and $50,000 require quotes from an adequate number of qualified sources. Indiana Code 5-22-8 has more restrictive requirements for the small purchase threshold between $50,000 and $150,000, which require three quotes and a contract to be awarded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) In fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative had five vendors which fell within the small purchase threshold and all five vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain quotes or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total amount spent with all five vendors was $292,806. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 2022-2023. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Six vendors paid from the grant funds were identified as being covered transactions during the audit period. Three vendors each fiscal year provided goods or services which equaled or exceeded $25,000 and were selected for testing. The total amount spent on covered transactions was $266,063 and $142,639 for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, respectively. For all six vendors, the Cooperative did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 and 22611-053-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures within the small purchase threshold and for suspension and debarment. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds are procured using the required methods and are not suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Without following the required methods for procurement and suspension and debarment, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services or could be paying vendors who are precluded from receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used for vendors that are within the small purchase threshold and to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension and debarment. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. A property record or capital asset listing is required to be maintained for all equipment, property improvements, and property purchased with the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grant awards to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to prevent loss or damage of items. The School Corporation hired a consultant to compile and provide a fixed asset report that contained all inventory and assets purchased that exceeded the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The consultant prepared the report; however, the School Corporation did not have any policies or procedures in place to review the asset listing to ensure the listing was complete. The School Corporation's capital asset listing did not include all the required asset information for assets purchased with federal awards. The following information for each asset was not included in the School Corporations capital asset listing: the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), and percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired. In addition, assets were not properly safeguarded and maintained. During the audit period, the School Corporation purchased assets and completed improvement projects totaling $1,794,965 with ESF funds. These assets were not included on the asset listing or physical inventory prepared by the consultant. Additionally, the School Corporation was unable to provide a listing of capital asset deletions during the audit period. Therefore, we could not determine if the disposition of any equipment or real property acquired under federal awards was properly reflected in the property records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(e) states in part: "When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not develop a system of internal controls to ensure that all items over the capital asset threshold were added to the listing, the capital asset listing included all required information, and that items purchased were properly maintained and safeguarded. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information, new assets are properly added, disposals are properly documented, and any discrepancies are reconciled. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. A property record or capital asset listing is required to be maintained for all equipment, property improvements, and property purchased with the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grant awards to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to prevent loss or damage of items. The School Corporation hired a consultant to compile and provide a fixed asset report that contained all inventory and assets purchased that exceeded the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The consultant prepared the report; however, the School Corporation did not have any policies or procedures in place to review the asset listing to ensure the listing was complete. The School Corporation's capital asset listing did not include all the required asset information for assets purchased with federal awards. The following information for each asset was not included in the School Corporations capital asset listing: the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), and percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired. In addition, assets were not properly safeguarded and maintained. During the audit period, the School Corporation purchased assets and completed improvement projects totaling $1,794,965 with ESF funds. These assets were not included on the asset listing or physical inventory prepared by the consultant. Additionally, the School Corporation was unable to provide a listing of capital asset deletions during the audit period. Therefore, we could not determine if the disposition of any equipment or real property acquired under federal awards was properly reflected in the property records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(e) states in part: "When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not develop a system of internal controls to ensure that all items over the capital asset threshold were added to the listing, the capital asset listing included all required information, and that items purchased were properly maintained and safeguarded. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information, new assets are properly added, disposals are properly documented, and any discrepancies are reconciled. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. A property record or capital asset listing is required to be maintained for all equipment, property improvements, and property purchased with the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grant awards to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to prevent loss or damage of items. The School Corporation hired a consultant to compile and provide a fixed asset report that contained all inventory and assets purchased that exceeded the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The consultant prepared the report; however, the School Corporation did not have any policies or procedures in place to review the asset listing to ensure the listing was complete. The School Corporation's capital asset listing did not include all the required asset information for assets purchased with federal awards. The following information for each asset was not included in the School Corporations capital asset listing: the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), and percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired. In addition, assets were not properly safeguarded and maintained. During the audit period, the School Corporation purchased assets and completed improvement projects totaling $1,794,965 with ESF funds. These assets were not included on the asset listing or physical inventory prepared by the consultant. Additionally, the School Corporation was unable to provide a listing of capital asset deletions during the audit period. Therefore, we could not determine if the disposition of any equipment or real property acquired under federal awards was properly reflected in the property records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(e) states in part: "When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not develop a system of internal controls to ensure that all items over the capital asset threshold were added to the listing, the capital asset listing included all required information, and that items purchased were properly maintained and safeguarded. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information, new assets are properly added, disposals are properly documented, and any discrepancies are reconciled. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. A property record or capital asset listing is required to be maintained for all equipment, property improvements, and property purchased with the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grant awards to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to prevent loss or damage of items. The School Corporation hired a consultant to compile and provide a fixed asset report that contained all inventory and assets purchased that exceeded the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The consultant prepared the report; however, the School Corporation did not have any policies or procedures in place to review the asset listing to ensure the listing was complete. The School Corporation's capital asset listing did not include all the required asset information for assets purchased with federal awards. The following information for each asset was not included in the School Corporations capital asset listing: the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), and percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired. In addition, assets were not properly safeguarded and maintained. During the audit period, the School Corporation purchased assets and completed improvement projects totaling $1,794,965 with ESF funds. These assets were not included on the asset listing or physical inventory prepared by the consultant. Additionally, the School Corporation was unable to provide a listing of capital asset deletions during the audit period. Therefore, we could not determine if the disposition of any equipment or real property acquired under federal awards was properly reflected in the property records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(e) states in part: "When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not develop a system of internal controls to ensure that all items over the capital asset threshold were added to the listing, the capital asset listing included all required information, and that items purchased were properly maintained and safeguarded. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information, new assets are properly added, disposals are properly documented, and any discrepancies are reconciled. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of five reports. The School Corporation did not have a documented review of any of the annual reports submitted to the Indiana Department of Education. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was designed but not implemented properly by management of the School Corporation. A review process for the ESF reports was in place, but no documentation of the review was available to show amounts reported were reviewed prior to submission. Effect The failure to implement a system of internal controls places the School Corporation at risk of inaccurate reporting. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of five reports. The School Corporation did not have a documented review of any of the annual reports submitted to the Indiana Department of Education. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was designed but not implemented properly by management of the School Corporation. A review process for the ESF reports was in place, but no documentation of the review was available to show amounts reported were reviewed prior to submission. Effect The failure to implement a system of internal controls places the School Corporation at risk of inaccurate reporting. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of five reports. The School Corporation did not have a documented review of any of the annual reports submitted to the Indiana Department of Education. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was designed but not implemented properly by management of the School Corporation. A review process for the ESF reports was in place, but no documentation of the review was available to show amounts reported were reviewed prior to submission. Effect The failure to implement a system of internal controls places the School Corporation at risk of inaccurate reporting. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of five reports. The School Corporation did not have a documented review of any of the annual reports submitted to the Indiana Department of Education. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was designed but not implemented properly by management of the School Corporation. A review process for the ESF reports was in place, but no documentation of the review was available to show amounts reported were reviewed prior to submission. Effect The failure to implement a system of internal controls places the School Corporation at risk of inaccurate reporting. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of five reports. The School Corporation did not have a documented review of any of the annual reports submitted to the Indiana Department of Education. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was designed but not implemented properly by management of the School Corporation. A review process for the ESF reports was in place, but no documentation of the review was available to show amounts reported were reviewed prior to submission. Effect The failure to implement a system of internal controls places the School Corporation at risk of inaccurate reporting. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in which contract work was performed. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures to ensure that all construction contracts in excess of $2,000 paid from federal grant funds included a prevailing wage rate clause. One construction contract was paid from the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant funds, totaling $1,278,001, during the audit period. This construction contract was subject to the wage rate requirements; however, the contract did not have the required prevailing wage rate clause included in the contract, nor were certified payrolls submitted by the contractor timely. The lack of internal controls and failure to maintain and provide adequate supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: "(a) Required contract clauses. The Agency head will cause or require the contracting officer to require the contracting officer to insert in full, or (for contracts covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1)) by reference, in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the laws referenced by § 5.1, the following clauses . . . (1) Minimum wages— (i) Wage rates and fringe benefits. All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or otherwise working in construction or development of the project under a development statute), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of basic hourly wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: "In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 (a)(3)(ii)(A) states in part: ". . . The contractor or subcontractor must submit weekly for each week in which any DBA- or Related Acts-covered work is performed, certified payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, or other entity, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . ." Cause The School Corporation had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance or that the required clause was included in the contracts for the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Also, the School Corporation was unaware of the requirement to collect weekly certified payrolls. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls over the Special Test and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirement resulted in one contract not meeting the guidelines established. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommend that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE
FINDING 2024-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in which contract work was performed. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures to ensure that all construction contracts in excess of $2,000 paid from federal grant funds included a prevailing wage rate clause. One construction contract was paid from the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant funds, totaling $1,278,001, during the audit period. This construction contract was subject to the wage rate requirements; however, the contract did not have the required prevailing wage rate clause included in the contract, nor were certified payrolls submitted by the contractor timely. The lack of internal controls and failure to maintain and provide adequate supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: "(a) Required contract clauses. The Agency head will cause or require the contracting officer to require the contracting officer to insert in full, or (for contracts covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1)) by reference, in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the laws referenced by § 5.1, the following clauses . . . (1) Minimum wages— (i) Wage rates and fringe benefits. All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or otherwise working in construction or development of the project under a development statute), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of basic hourly wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: "In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 (a)(3)(ii)(A) states in part: ". . . The contractor or subcontractor must submit weekly for each week in which any DBA- or Related Acts-covered work is performed, certified payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, or other entity, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . ." Cause The School Corporation had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance or that the required clause was included in the contracts for the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Also, the School Corporation was unaware of the requirement to collect weekly certified payrolls. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls over the Special Test and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirement resulted in one contract not meeting the guidelines established. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommend that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE
FINDING 2024-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in which contract work was performed. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures to ensure that all construction contracts in excess of $2,000 paid from federal grant funds included a prevailing wage rate clause. One construction contract was paid from the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant funds, totaling $1,278,001, during the audit period. This construction contract was subject to the wage rate requirements; however, the contract did not have the required prevailing wage rate clause included in the contract, nor were certified payrolls submitted by the contractor timely. The lack of internal controls and failure to maintain and provide adequate supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: "(a) Required contract clauses. The Agency head will cause or require the contracting officer to require the contracting officer to insert in full, or (for contracts covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1)) by reference, in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the laws referenced by § 5.1, the following clauses . . . (1) Minimum wages— (i) Wage rates and fringe benefits. All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or otherwise working in construction or development of the project under a development statute), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of basic hourly wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: "In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 (a)(3)(ii)(A) states in part: ". . . The contractor or subcontractor must submit weekly for each week in which any DBA- or Related Acts-covered work is performed, certified payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, or other entity, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . ." Cause The School Corporation had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance or that the required clause was included in the contracts for the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Also, the School Corporation was unaware of the requirement to collect weekly certified payrolls. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls over the Special Test and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirement resulted in one contract not meeting the guidelines established. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommend that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE
FINDING 2024-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in which contract work was performed. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures to ensure that all construction contracts in excess of $2,000 paid from federal grant funds included a prevailing wage rate clause. One construction contract was paid from the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant funds, totaling $1,278,001, during the audit period. This construction contract was subject to the wage rate requirements; however, the contract did not have the required prevailing wage rate clause included in the contract, nor were certified payrolls submitted by the contractor timely. The lack of internal controls and failure to maintain and provide adequate supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: "(a) Required contract clauses. The Agency head will cause or require the contracting officer to require the contracting officer to insert in full, or (for contracts covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1)) by reference, in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the laws referenced by § 5.1, the following clauses . . . (1) Minimum wages— (i) Wage rates and fringe benefits. All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or otherwise working in construction or development of the project under a development statute), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of basic hourly wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: "In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 (a)(3)(ii)(A) states in part: ". . . The contractor or subcontractor must submit weekly for each week in which any DBA- or Related Acts-covered work is performed, certified payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, or other entity, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . ." Cause The School Corporation had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance or that the required clause was included in the contracts for the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Also, the School Corporation was unaware of the requirement to collect weekly certified payrolls. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls over the Special Test and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirement resulted in one contract not meeting the guidelines established. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommend that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Emergency Connectivity Fund Program - Equipment and Real Property Management, Special Tests and Provisions - Restricted Purpose Federal Agency: Federal Communications Commission Federal Program: Emergency Connectivity Fund Program Assistance Listings Number: 32.009 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): FY 2022 Compliance Requirements: Equipment and Real Property Management, Special Tests and Provisions - Restricted Purpose Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation purchased iPads and Wi-Fi hotspots during the audit period with Emergency Connectivity Fund Program grant monies to meet the remote learning needs of students or staff who would otherwise lack access to connected devices and or broadband connections sufficient to engage in remote learning. The School Corporation had established an internal control over the distribution of iPads but did not establish an internal control over the distribution of Wi-Fi hotspots. The School Corporation was unable to provide a listing of all students or staff who were provided with Wi-Fi hotspots or an inventory record of all Wi-Fi hotspots distributed to students. Additionally, the School Corporation did not maintain appropriate inventory records over the Wi-Fi hotspots. The School Corporation could not verify that they were only reimbursed for no more than one Wi-Fi hotspot per student or school staff member. The total noncompliance was limited to Wi-Fi hotspot expenditures of $105,640. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance for Wi-Fi hotspots was systemic issues throughout the audit period. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." 47 CFR 54.1706(c) states: "Emergency Connectivity Fund support for eligible equipment and services is limited to no more than one fixed broadband internet access connection per location, and one connected device and one Wi-Fi hotspot device per student, school staff member, or library patron. For purposes of the per-location limitation imposed on fixed broadband internet access services in this paragraph (c), each unit in a multi-tenant environment is a separate location for purposes of this paragraph (c)." Cause The service provider had a record of the Wi-Fi hotspots; however, the hotspots were not identifiable by student. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system for Wi-Fi hotspots enabled noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement for the Equipment and Real Property Management and the Special Tests and Provisions - Restricted Purpose compliance requirements could result in the repayment of federal funds INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements for the Equipment and Real Property Management and the Special Test and Provisions - Restricted Purpose. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 22611-053-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Due to the timing of the Cooperative's corrective action, the nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for the grant award number 22611-053-PN01. From the beginning of the grant awards until March 2023, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in March 2023, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through March 2023, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 grant award. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in March 2023, most of the grant award had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member schools. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 22611-053-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Due to the timing of the Cooperative's corrective action, the nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for the grant award number 22611-053-PN01. From the beginning of the grant awards until March 2023, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in March 2023, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through March 2023, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 grant award. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in March 2023, most of the grant award had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member schools. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-053-PN01; 22611-053-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. Procurement - Small Purchase When the value of the procurement for property or services is within the small purchase threshold, or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, quotes and a contract are required. The small purchase threshold is between $10,000 and $150,000; however, the threshold between $10,000 and $50,000 require quotes from an adequate number of qualified sources. Indiana Code 5-22-8 has more restrictive requirements for the small purchase threshold between $50,000 and $150,000, which require three quotes and a contract to be awarded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) In fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative had five vendors which fell within the small purchase threshold and all five vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain quotes or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total amount spent with all five vendors was $292,806. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 2022-2023. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Six vendors paid from the grant funds were identified as being covered transactions during the audit period. Three vendors each fiscal year provided goods or services which equaled or exceeded $25,000 and were selected for testing. The total amount spent on covered transactions was $266,063 and $142,639 for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, respectively. For all six vendors, the Cooperative did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 and 22611-053-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures within the small purchase threshold and for suspension and debarment. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds are procured using the required methods and are not suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Without following the required methods for procurement and suspension and debarment, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services or could be paying vendors who are precluded from receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used for vendors that are within the small purchase threshold and to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension and debarment. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-053-PN01; 22611-053-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. Procurement - Small Purchase When the value of the procurement for property or services is within the small purchase threshold, or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, quotes and a contract are required. The small purchase threshold is between $10,000 and $150,000; however, the threshold between $10,000 and $50,000 require quotes from an adequate number of qualified sources. Indiana Code 5-22-8 has more restrictive requirements for the small purchase threshold between $50,000 and $150,000, which require three quotes and a contract to be awarded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) In fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative had five vendors which fell within the small purchase threshold and all five vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain quotes or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total amount spent with all five vendors was $292,806. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 2022-2023. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Six vendors paid from the grant funds were identified as being covered transactions during the audit period. Three vendors each fiscal year provided goods or services which equaled or exceeded $25,000 and were selected for testing. The total amount spent on covered transactions was $266,063 and $142,639 for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, respectively. For all six vendors, the Cooperative did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 and 22611-053-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures within the small purchase threshold and for suspension and debarment. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds are procured using the required methods and are not suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Without following the required methods for procurement and suspension and debarment, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services or could be paying vendors who are precluded from receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used for vendors that are within the small purchase threshold and to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension and debarment. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-053-PN01; 22611-053-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. Procurement - Small Purchase When the value of the procurement for property or services is within the small purchase threshold, or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, quotes and a contract are required. The small purchase threshold is between $10,000 and $150,000; however, the threshold between $10,000 and $50,000 require quotes from an adequate number of qualified sources. Indiana Code 5-22-8 has more restrictive requirements for the small purchase threshold between $50,000 and $150,000, which require three quotes and a contract to be awarded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) In fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative had five vendors which fell within the small purchase threshold and all five vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain quotes or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total amount spent with all five vendors was $292,806. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 2022-2023. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Six vendors paid from the grant funds were identified as being covered transactions during the audit period. Three vendors each fiscal year provided goods or services which equaled or exceeded $25,000 and were selected for testing. The total amount spent on covered transactions was $266,063 and $142,639 for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, respectively. For all six vendors, the Cooperative did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 and 22611-053-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures within the small purchase threshold and for suspension and debarment. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds are procured using the required methods and are not suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Without following the required methods for procurement and suspension and debarment, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services or could be paying vendors who are precluded from receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used for vendors that are within the small purchase threshold and to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension and debarment. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-053-PN01; 22611-053-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). The Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. Procurement - Small Purchase When the value of the procurement for property or services is within the small purchase threshold, or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, quotes and a contract are required. The small purchase threshold is between $10,000 and $150,000; however, the threshold between $10,000 and $50,000 require quotes from an adequate number of qualified sources. Indiana Code 5-22-8 has more restrictive requirements for the small purchase threshold between $50,000 and $150,000, which require three quotes and a contract to be awarded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) In fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative had five vendors which fell within the small purchase threshold and all five vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain quotes or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total amount spent with all five vendors was $292,806. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 2022-2023. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Six vendors paid from the grant funds were identified as being covered transactions during the audit period. Three vendors each fiscal year provided goods or services which equaled or exceeded $25,000 and were selected for testing. The total amount spent on covered transactions was $266,063 and $142,639 for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, respectively. For all six vendors, the Cooperative did not verify the vendors' suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 and 22611-053-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures within the small purchase threshold and for suspension and debarment. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds are procured using the required methods and are not suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Without following the required methods for procurement and suspension and debarment, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services or could be paying vendors who are precluded from receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used for vendors that are within the small purchase threshold and to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension and debarment. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. A property record or capital asset listing is required to be maintained for all equipment, property improvements, and property purchased with the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grant awards to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to prevent loss or damage of items. The School Corporation hired a consultant to compile and provide a fixed asset report that contained all inventory and assets purchased that exceeded the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The consultant prepared the report; however, the School Corporation did not have any policies or procedures in place to review the asset listing to ensure the listing was complete. The School Corporation's capital asset listing did not include all the required asset information for assets purchased with federal awards. The following information for each asset was not included in the School Corporations capital asset listing: the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), and percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired. In addition, assets were not properly safeguarded and maintained. During the audit period, the School Corporation purchased assets and completed improvement projects totaling $1,794,965 with ESF funds. These assets were not included on the asset listing or physical inventory prepared by the consultant. Additionally, the School Corporation was unable to provide a listing of capital asset deletions during the audit period. Therefore, we could not determine if the disposition of any equipment or real property acquired under federal awards was properly reflected in the property records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(e) states in part: "When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not develop a system of internal controls to ensure that all items over the capital asset threshold were added to the listing, the capital asset listing included all required information, and that items purchased were properly maintained and safeguarded. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information, new assets are properly added, disposals are properly documented, and any discrepancies are reconciled. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. A property record or capital asset listing is required to be maintained for all equipment, property improvements, and property purchased with the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grant awards to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to prevent loss or damage of items. The School Corporation hired a consultant to compile and provide a fixed asset report that contained all inventory and assets purchased that exceeded the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The consultant prepared the report; however, the School Corporation did not have any policies or procedures in place to review the asset listing to ensure the listing was complete. The School Corporation's capital asset listing did not include all the required asset information for assets purchased with federal awards. The following information for each asset was not included in the School Corporations capital asset listing: the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), and percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired. In addition, assets were not properly safeguarded and maintained. During the audit period, the School Corporation purchased assets and completed improvement projects totaling $1,794,965 with ESF funds. These assets were not included on the asset listing or physical inventory prepared by the consultant. Additionally, the School Corporation was unable to provide a listing of capital asset deletions during the audit period. Therefore, we could not determine if the disposition of any equipment or real property acquired under federal awards was properly reflected in the property records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(e) states in part: "When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not develop a system of internal controls to ensure that all items over the capital asset threshold were added to the listing, the capital asset listing included all required information, and that items purchased were properly maintained and safeguarded. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information, new assets are properly added, disposals are properly documented, and any discrepancies are reconciled. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. A property record or capital asset listing is required to be maintained for all equipment, property improvements, and property purchased with the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grant awards to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to prevent loss or damage of items. The School Corporation hired a consultant to compile and provide a fixed asset report that contained all inventory and assets purchased that exceeded the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The consultant prepared the report; however, the School Corporation did not have any policies or procedures in place to review the asset listing to ensure the listing was complete. The School Corporation's capital asset listing did not include all the required asset information for assets purchased with federal awards. The following information for each asset was not included in the School Corporations capital asset listing: the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), and percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired. In addition, assets were not properly safeguarded and maintained. During the audit period, the School Corporation purchased assets and completed improvement projects totaling $1,794,965 with ESF funds. These assets were not included on the asset listing or physical inventory prepared by the consultant. Additionally, the School Corporation was unable to provide a listing of capital asset deletions during the audit period. Therefore, we could not determine if the disposition of any equipment or real property acquired under federal awards was properly reflected in the property records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(e) states in part: "When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not develop a system of internal controls to ensure that all items over the capital asset threshold were added to the listing, the capital asset listing included all required information, and that items purchased were properly maintained and safeguarded. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information, new assets are properly added, disposals are properly documented, and any discrepancies are reconciled. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. A property record or capital asset listing is required to be maintained for all equipment, property improvements, and property purchased with the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grant awards to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to prevent loss or damage of items. The School Corporation hired a consultant to compile and provide a fixed asset report that contained all inventory and assets purchased that exceeded the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The consultant prepared the report; however, the School Corporation did not have any policies or procedures in place to review the asset listing to ensure the listing was complete. The School Corporation's capital asset listing did not include all the required asset information for assets purchased with federal awards. The following information for each asset was not included in the School Corporations capital asset listing: the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), and percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired. In addition, assets were not properly safeguarded and maintained. During the audit period, the School Corporation purchased assets and completed improvement projects totaling $1,794,965 with ESF funds. These assets were not included on the asset listing or physical inventory prepared by the consultant. Additionally, the School Corporation was unable to provide a listing of capital asset deletions during the audit period. Therefore, we could not determine if the disposition of any equipment or real property acquired under federal awards was properly reflected in the property records. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(e) states in part: "When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not develop a system of internal controls to ensure that all items over the capital asset threshold were added to the listing, the capital asset listing included all required information, and that items purchased were properly maintained and safeguarded. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information, new assets are properly added, disposals are properly documented, and any discrepancies are reconciled. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of five reports. The School Corporation did not have a documented review of any of the annual reports submitted to the Indiana Department of Education. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was designed but not implemented properly by management of the School Corporation. A review process for the ESF reports was in place, but no documentation of the review was available to show amounts reported were reviewed prior to submission. Effect The failure to implement a system of internal controls places the School Corporation at risk of inaccurate reporting. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of five reports. The School Corporation did not have a documented review of any of the annual reports submitted to the Indiana Department of Education. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was designed but not implemented properly by management of the School Corporation. A review process for the ESF reports was in place, but no documentation of the review was available to show amounts reported were reviewed prior to submission. Effect The failure to implement a system of internal controls places the School Corporation at risk of inaccurate reporting. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of five reports. The School Corporation did not have a documented review of any of the annual reports submitted to the Indiana Department of Education. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was designed but not implemented properly by management of the School Corporation. A review process for the ESF reports was in place, but no documentation of the review was available to show amounts reported were reviewed prior to submission. Effect The failure to implement a system of internal controls places the School Corporation at risk of inaccurate reporting. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of five reports. The School Corporation did not have a documented review of any of the annual reports submitted to the Indiana Department of Education. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was designed but not implemented properly by management of the School Corporation. A review process for the ESF reports was in place, but no documentation of the review was available to show amounts reported were reviewed prior to submission. Effect The failure to implement a system of internal controls places the School Corporation at risk of inaccurate reporting. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-007 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. The School Corporation was required to submit annual data reports to the Indiana Department of Education via JotForm, a form/report builder. Data to be submitted included, but was not limited to, current period expenditures, prior period expenditures, and expenditures per activity. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted one ESSER I report, two ESSER II reports, and two ESSER III reports, for a total of five reports. The School Corporation did not have a documented review of any of the annual reports submitted to the Indiana Department of Education. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was designed but not implemented properly by management of the School Corporation. A review process for the ESF reports was in place, but no documentation of the review was available to show amounts reported were reviewed prior to submission. Effect The failure to implement a system of internal controls places the School Corporation at risk of inaccurate reporting. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that all reports are submitted accurately. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in which contract work was performed. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures to ensure that all construction contracts in excess of $2,000 paid from federal grant funds included a prevailing wage rate clause. One construction contract was paid from the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant funds, totaling $1,278,001, during the audit period. This construction contract was subject to the wage rate requirements; however, the contract did not have the required prevailing wage rate clause included in the contract, nor were certified payrolls submitted by the contractor timely. The lack of internal controls and failure to maintain and provide adequate supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: "(a) Required contract clauses. The Agency head will cause or require the contracting officer to require the contracting officer to insert in full, or (for contracts covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1)) by reference, in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the laws referenced by § 5.1, the following clauses . . . (1) Minimum wages— (i) Wage rates and fringe benefits. All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or otherwise working in construction or development of the project under a development statute), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of basic hourly wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: "In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 (a)(3)(ii)(A) states in part: ". . . The contractor or subcontractor must submit weekly for each week in which any DBA- or Related Acts-covered work is performed, certified payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, or other entity, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . ." Cause The School Corporation had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance or that the required clause was included in the contracts for the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Also, the School Corporation was unaware of the requirement to collect weekly certified payrolls. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls over the Special Test and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirement resulted in one contract not meeting the guidelines established. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommend that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE
FINDING 2024-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in which contract work was performed. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures to ensure that all construction contracts in excess of $2,000 paid from federal grant funds included a prevailing wage rate clause. One construction contract was paid from the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant funds, totaling $1,278,001, during the audit period. This construction contract was subject to the wage rate requirements; however, the contract did not have the required prevailing wage rate clause included in the contract, nor were certified payrolls submitted by the contractor timely. The lack of internal controls and failure to maintain and provide adequate supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: "(a) Required contract clauses. The Agency head will cause or require the contracting officer to require the contracting officer to insert in full, or (for contracts covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1)) by reference, in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the laws referenced by § 5.1, the following clauses . . . (1) Minimum wages— (i) Wage rates and fringe benefits. All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or otherwise working in construction or development of the project under a development statute), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of basic hourly wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: "In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 (a)(3)(ii)(A) states in part: ". . . The contractor or subcontractor must submit weekly for each week in which any DBA- or Related Acts-covered work is performed, certified payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, or other entity, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . ." Cause The School Corporation had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance or that the required clause was included in the contracts for the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Also, the School Corporation was unaware of the requirement to collect weekly certified payrolls. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls over the Special Test and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirement resulted in one contract not meeting the guidelines established. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommend that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE
FINDING 2024-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in which contract work was performed. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures to ensure that all construction contracts in excess of $2,000 paid from federal grant funds included a prevailing wage rate clause. One construction contract was paid from the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant funds, totaling $1,278,001, during the audit period. This construction contract was subject to the wage rate requirements; however, the contract did not have the required prevailing wage rate clause included in the contract, nor were certified payrolls submitted by the contractor timely. The lack of internal controls and failure to maintain and provide adequate supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: "(a) Required contract clauses. The Agency head will cause or require the contracting officer to require the contracting officer to insert in full, or (for contracts covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1)) by reference, in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the laws referenced by § 5.1, the following clauses . . . (1) Minimum wages— (i) Wage rates and fringe benefits. All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or otherwise working in construction or development of the project under a development statute), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of basic hourly wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: "In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 (a)(3)(ii)(A) states in part: ". . . The contractor or subcontractor must submit weekly for each week in which any DBA- or Related Acts-covered work is performed, certified payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, or other entity, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . ." Cause The School Corporation had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance or that the required clause was included in the contracts for the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Also, the School Corporation was unaware of the requirement to collect weekly certified payrolls. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls over the Special Test and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirement resulted in one contract not meeting the guidelines established. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommend that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE
FINDING 2024-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Test and Provision - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to their laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in which contract work was performed. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 30 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures to ensure that all construction contracts in excess of $2,000 paid from federal grant funds included a prevailing wage rate clause. One construction contract was paid from the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant funds, totaling $1,278,001, during the audit period. This construction contract was subject to the wage rate requirements; however, the contract did not have the required prevailing wage rate clause included in the contract, nor were certified payrolls submitted by the contractor timely. The lack of internal controls and failure to maintain and provide adequate supporting documentation were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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 statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: "(a) Required contract clauses. The Agency head will cause or require the contracting officer to require the contracting officer to insert in full, or (for contracts covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1)) by reference, in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the laws referenced by § 5.1, the following clauses . . . (1) Minimum wages— (i) Wage rates and fringe benefits. All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or otherwise working in construction or development of the project under a development statute), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of basic hourly wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 31 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: "In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 (a)(3)(ii)(A) states in part: ". . . The contractor or subcontractor must submit weekly for each week in which any DBA- or Related Acts-covered work is performed, certified payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, or other entity, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). . . ." Cause The School Corporation had not established a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance or that the required clause was included in the contracts for the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Also, the School Corporation was unaware of the requirement to collect weekly certified payrolls. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls over the Special Test and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirement resulted in one contract not meeting the guidelines established. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommend that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report. INDIANA STATE