Finding Number: 2024-001
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023-001
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Indian School Equalization 15.042 A23AV00840 N/A
Indian Education Facilities, Operations
and Maintenance 15.047 A23AV00840 N/A
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Pass-Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Criteria
School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal controls over credit card
transactions, and disbursements that are adequate to ensure that all financial activities are properly
processed and recorded. Further, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, may without the approval of
the BIA, expend funds provided under a self-determination contract for purposes identified in 25 USC
5325, to the extent that the expenditure of the funds is supportive of a contracted program
(25 USC 5325). These guidelines require internal controls over expenditures of federal monies to
ensure expenditures comply with federal regulations and guidelines. (25 CFR 39; 25 CFR 900)
Condition
Internal controls over accounting of disbursements were not followed.
Cause
Internal controls in place did not always operate effectively or were not followed.
Effect
Financial activities relating to disbursements were not properly processed and documented.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. During our review of
disbursements, we noted the following:
• For two out five cutoff transactions reviewed, determined the transaction should have been
paid in fiscal year 2024.
• For one of 40 disbursements reviewed, the expenditure exceeded the authorized PO amount.
• For three of 40 disbursements reviewed, the disbursement was not coded in accordance with
the School's Chart of Accounts. For two of 40 disbursements reviewed, the purchase order was issued after the purchase of
goods/services.
The School did not pay credit card statements timely, resulting in finance charges of $2,801 and
late fees of $75.
Recommendation
School policies and procedures should be followed to ensure disbursements are properly processed
and documented.
Views Of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-002
Repeat Finding: No
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Indian School Equalization 15.042 A23AV00840 N/A
Indian Education Facilities, Operation, and
Maintenance 15.047 A23AV00840 N/A
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Pass-Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Significant Deficiency
Compliance Requirements: Reporting
Criteria
The School is required to file the Federal Financial Report, SF-425. Quarterly and semi-annual reports
are required to be submitted no later than 30 days after the end of each reporting period. Annual
reports are required to be submitted no later than 90 days at the end of each reporting period. The
SF-425 should report expenditures for each quarter.
Condition
Federal reporting deadlines were not met during the year and expenditures are not appropriately
reported.
Cause
The School did not have an adequate system in place to monitor compliance with reporting.
Effect
The School was not always in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines. Less than full
compliance with these reporting requirements could potentially result in a reduction or
discontinuation of program awards in the future.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. The SF-425 for period
ending 12/31/23 was not submitted within 30 days of the end of the reporting period. The SF-425
reports for period ending 3/31/24 and 6/30/24 reported revenues for the period rather than
expenditures.
Recommendation
The School should implement standard procedures for the creation and submission of accurate
reports on a timely basis.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐003
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023‐003
Program Name/Assistance Listing Title: Indian School Equalization
Assistance Listing Number: 15.042
Federal Agency: U.S Department of Interior
Federal Award Number: A23AV00840
Pass‐Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Questioned Costs: N/A
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Significant Deficiency
Compliance Requirement: Special Tests Provisions
Criteria
According to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (25 USC §3201 et. sec.),
the School must conduct a character investigation of each individual who is employed or is being
considered for employment in a position that involves regular contact with, or control over, Indian
children. The investigation should be reinvestigated every five years. The Act further states that the
School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character,
no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and
Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63).
Condition
Timely background investigations were not performed for all employees.
Cause
School policies were not always followed to ensure timely background investigation were performed.
Effect
The School was not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention
Act.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. For one of nine employee
files reviewed, a character investigation was on file, but had not been performed timely based on
employee’s start date.
Recommendation
The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed in a timely manner and
documentation is retained to achieve full compliance with the School’s policies and the Indian Child
Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐004
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023‐002
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Indian School Equalization 15.042 A23AV00840 n/a
Indian School Student Transportation 15.044 A23AV00840 n/a
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Pass‐Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Criteria
Non‐federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients
of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR §§200.318 through 200.326. They
must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable State and local
laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the
procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200.
Condition
The School had adopted procurement policies mandated under 2 CFR §215.43, but did not perform
some of the procedures outlined for purchases.
Cause
Proper documentation was not obtained or maintained by the School. The School has not
implemented controls to perform the collection of quotes, suspension and debarment checks for
vendors, and maintaining conflict of interest files.
Effect
The School was not always in compliance with Board adopted policies and federal regulations and
guidelines.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. During our review of
disbursements, we noted the following:
The School did not maintain suspension and debarment for purchases over $25,000 during the
year.
For three of five purchases reviewed in the written quote range, written quotes for purchases
over $2,500 were not obtained.
For three sealed proposals reviewed, the District did not maintain documentation.
For one of five purchases reviewed in the written quote range, the expenditure was not
reviewed/approved by an authorized person prior to the purchase date. Recommendation
The School should follow its adopted procurement procedures to ensure full and open competition
among prospective vendors and adherence to federal rules and regulations.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐004
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023‐002
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Indian School Equalization 15.042 A23AV00840 n/a
Indian School Student Transportation 15.044 A23AV00840 n/a
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Pass‐Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Criteria
Non‐federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients
of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR §§200.318 through 200.326. They
must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable State and local
laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the
procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200.
Condition
The School had adopted procurement policies mandated under 2 CFR §215.43, but did not perform
some of the procedures outlined for purchases.
Cause
Proper documentation was not obtained or maintained by the School. The School has not
implemented controls to perform the collection of quotes, suspension and debarment checks for
vendors, and maintaining conflict of interest files.
Effect
The School was not always in compliance with Board adopted policies and federal regulations and
guidelines.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. During our review of
disbursements, we noted the following:
The School did not maintain suspension and debarment for purchases over $25,000 during the
year.
For three of five purchases reviewed in the written quote range, written quotes for purchases
over $2,500 were not obtained.
For three sealed proposals reviewed, the District did not maintain documentation.
For one of five purchases reviewed in the written quote range, the expenditure was not
reviewed/approved by an authorized person prior to the purchase date. Recommendation
The School should follow its adopted procurement procedures to ensure full and open competition
among prospective vendors and adherence to federal rules and regulations.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-001
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023-001
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Indian School Equalization 15.042 A23AV00840 N/A
Indian Education Facilities, Operations
and Maintenance 15.047 A23AV00840 N/A
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Pass-Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Criteria
School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal controls over credit card
transactions, and disbursements that are adequate to ensure that all financial activities are properly
processed and recorded. Further, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, may without the approval of
the BIA, expend funds provided under a self-determination contract for purposes identified in 25 USC
5325, to the extent that the expenditure of the funds is supportive of a contracted program
(25 USC 5325). These guidelines require internal controls over expenditures of federal monies to
ensure expenditures comply with federal regulations and guidelines. (25 CFR 39; 25 CFR 900)
Condition
Internal controls over accounting of disbursements were not followed.
Cause
Internal controls in place did not always operate effectively or were not followed.
Effect
Financial activities relating to disbursements were not properly processed and documented.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. During our review of
disbursements, we noted the following:
• For two out five cutoff transactions reviewed, determined the transaction should have been
paid in fiscal year 2024.
• For one of 40 disbursements reviewed, the expenditure exceeded the authorized PO amount.
• For three of 40 disbursements reviewed, the disbursement was not coded in accordance with
the School's Chart of Accounts. For two of 40 disbursements reviewed, the purchase order was issued after the purchase of
goods/services.
The School did not pay credit card statements timely, resulting in finance charges of $2,801 and
late fees of $75.
Recommendation
School policies and procedures should be followed to ensure disbursements are properly processed
and documented.
Views Of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-002
Repeat Finding: No
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Indian School Equalization 15.042 A23AV00840 N/A
Indian Education Facilities, Operation, and
Maintenance 15.047 A23AV00840 N/A
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Pass-Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Significant Deficiency
Compliance Requirements: Reporting
Criteria
The School is required to file the Federal Financial Report, SF-425. Quarterly and semi-annual reports
are required to be submitted no later than 30 days after the end of each reporting period. Annual
reports are required to be submitted no later than 90 days at the end of each reporting period. The
SF-425 should report expenditures for each quarter.
Condition
Federal reporting deadlines were not met during the year and expenditures are not appropriately
reported.
Cause
The School did not have an adequate system in place to monitor compliance with reporting.
Effect
The School was not always in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines. Less than full
compliance with these reporting requirements could potentially result in a reduction or
discontinuation of program awards in the future.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. The SF-425 for period
ending 12/31/23 was not submitted within 30 days of the end of the reporting period. The SF-425
reports for period ending 3/31/24 and 6/30/24 reported revenues for the period rather than
expenditures.
Recommendation
The School should implement standard procedures for the creation and submission of accurate
reports on a timely basis.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-001
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023-001
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Indian School Equalization 15.042 A23AV00840 N/A
Indian Education Facilities, Operations
and Maintenance 15.047 A23AV00840 N/A
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Pass-Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Criteria
School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal controls over credit card
transactions, and disbursements that are adequate to ensure that all financial activities are properly
processed and recorded. Further, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, may without the approval of
the BIA, expend funds provided under a self-determination contract for purposes identified in 25 USC
5325, to the extent that the expenditure of the funds is supportive of a contracted program
(25 USC 5325). These guidelines require internal controls over expenditures of federal monies to
ensure expenditures comply with federal regulations and guidelines. (25 CFR 39; 25 CFR 900)
Condition
Internal controls over accounting of disbursements were not followed.
Cause
Internal controls in place did not always operate effectively or were not followed.
Effect
Financial activities relating to disbursements were not properly processed and documented.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. During our review of
disbursements, we noted the following:
• For two out five cutoff transactions reviewed, determined the transaction should have been
paid in fiscal year 2024.
• For one of 40 disbursements reviewed, the expenditure exceeded the authorized PO amount.
• For three of 40 disbursements reviewed, the disbursement was not coded in accordance with
the School's Chart of Accounts. For two of 40 disbursements reviewed, the purchase order was issued after the purchase of
goods/services.
The School did not pay credit card statements timely, resulting in finance charges of $2,801 and
late fees of $75.
Recommendation
School policies and procedures should be followed to ensure disbursements are properly processed
and documented.
Views Of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-002
Repeat Finding: No
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Indian School Equalization 15.042 A23AV00840 N/A
Indian Education Facilities, Operation, and
Maintenance 15.047 A23AV00840 N/A
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Pass-Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Significant Deficiency
Compliance Requirements: Reporting
Criteria
The School is required to file the Federal Financial Report, SF-425. Quarterly and semi-annual reports
are required to be submitted no later than 30 days after the end of each reporting period. Annual
reports are required to be submitted no later than 90 days at the end of each reporting period. The
SF-425 should report expenditures for each quarter.
Condition
Federal reporting deadlines were not met during the year and expenditures are not appropriately
reported.
Cause
The School did not have an adequate system in place to monitor compliance with reporting.
Effect
The School was not always in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines. Less than full
compliance with these reporting requirements could potentially result in a reduction or
discontinuation of program awards in the future.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. The SF-425 for period
ending 12/31/23 was not submitted within 30 days of the end of the reporting period. The SF-425
reports for period ending 3/31/24 and 6/30/24 reported revenues for the period rather than
expenditures.
Recommendation
The School should implement standard procedures for the creation and submission of accurate
reports on a timely basis.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐003
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023‐003
Program Name/Assistance Listing Title: Indian School Equalization
Assistance Listing Number: 15.042
Federal Agency: U.S Department of Interior
Federal Award Number: A23AV00840
Pass‐Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Questioned Costs: N/A
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Significant Deficiency
Compliance Requirement: Special Tests Provisions
Criteria
According to the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (25 USC §3201 et. sec.),
the School must conduct a character investigation of each individual who is employed or is being
considered for employment in a position that involves regular contact with, or control over, Indian
children. The investigation should be reinvestigated every five years. The Act further states that the
School may employ individuals in those positions only if the individuals meet standards of character,
no less stringent than those prescribed under subpart B – Minimum Standards of Character and
Suitability for Employment (25 CFR part 63).
Condition
Timely background investigations were not performed for all employees.
Cause
School policies were not always followed to ensure timely background investigation were performed.
Effect
The School was not in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention
Act.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. For one of nine employee
files reviewed, a character investigation was on file, but had not been performed timely based on
employee’s start date.
Recommendation
The School should ensure adequate character investigations are performed in a timely manner and
documentation is retained to achieve full compliance with the School’s policies and the Indian Child
Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐004
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023‐002
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Indian School Equalization 15.042 A23AV00840 n/a
Indian School Student Transportation 15.044 A23AV00840 n/a
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Pass‐Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Criteria
Non‐federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients
of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR §§200.318 through 200.326. They
must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable State and local
laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the
procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200.
Condition
The School had adopted procurement policies mandated under 2 CFR §215.43, but did not perform
some of the procedures outlined for purchases.
Cause
Proper documentation was not obtained or maintained by the School. The School has not
implemented controls to perform the collection of quotes, suspension and debarment checks for
vendors, and maintaining conflict of interest files.
Effect
The School was not always in compliance with Board adopted policies and federal regulations and
guidelines.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. During our review of
disbursements, we noted the following:
The School did not maintain suspension and debarment for purchases over $25,000 during the
year.
For three of five purchases reviewed in the written quote range, written quotes for purchases
over $2,500 were not obtained.
For three sealed proposals reviewed, the District did not maintain documentation.
For one of five purchases reviewed in the written quote range, the expenditure was not
reviewed/approved by an authorized person prior to the purchase date. Recommendation
The School should follow its adopted procurement procedures to ensure full and open competition
among prospective vendors and adherence to federal rules and regulations.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024‐004
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023‐002
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Indian School Equalization 15.042 A23AV00840 n/a
Indian School Student Transportation 15.044 A23AV00840 n/a
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Pass‐Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Material Weakness
Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment
Criteria
Non‐federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients
of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR §§200.318 through 200.326. They
must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable State and local
laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the
procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200.
Condition
The School had adopted procurement policies mandated under 2 CFR §215.43, but did not perform
some of the procedures outlined for purchases.
Cause
Proper documentation was not obtained or maintained by the School. The School has not
implemented controls to perform the collection of quotes, suspension and debarment checks for
vendors, and maintaining conflict of interest files.
Effect
The School was not always in compliance with Board adopted policies and federal regulations and
guidelines.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. During our review of
disbursements, we noted the following:
The School did not maintain suspension and debarment for purchases over $25,000 during the
year.
For three of five purchases reviewed in the written quote range, written quotes for purchases
over $2,500 were not obtained.
For three sealed proposals reviewed, the District did not maintain documentation.
For one of five purchases reviewed in the written quote range, the expenditure was not
reviewed/approved by an authorized person prior to the purchase date. Recommendation
The School should follow its adopted procurement procedures to ensure full and open competition
among prospective vendors and adherence to federal rules and regulations.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-001
Repeat Finding: Yes, 2023-001
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Indian School Equalization 15.042 A23AV00840 N/A
Indian Education Facilities, Operations
and Maintenance 15.047 A23AV00840 N/A
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Pass-Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency
Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles
Criteria
School management is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal controls over credit card
transactions, and disbursements that are adequate to ensure that all financial activities are properly
processed and recorded. Further, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, may without the approval of
the BIA, expend funds provided under a self-determination contract for purposes identified in 25 USC
5325, to the extent that the expenditure of the funds is supportive of a contracted program
(25 USC 5325). These guidelines require internal controls over expenditures of federal monies to
ensure expenditures comply with federal regulations and guidelines. (25 CFR 39; 25 CFR 900)
Condition
Internal controls over accounting of disbursements were not followed.
Cause
Internal controls in place did not always operate effectively or were not followed.
Effect
Financial activities relating to disbursements were not properly processed and documented.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. During our review of
disbursements, we noted the following:
• For two out five cutoff transactions reviewed, determined the transaction should have been
paid in fiscal year 2024.
• For one of 40 disbursements reviewed, the expenditure exceeded the authorized PO amount.
• For three of 40 disbursements reviewed, the disbursement was not coded in accordance with
the School's Chart of Accounts. For two of 40 disbursements reviewed, the purchase order was issued after the purchase of
goods/services.
The School did not pay credit card statements timely, resulting in finance charges of $2,801 and
late fees of $75.
Recommendation
School policies and procedures should be followed to ensure disbursements are properly processed
and documented.
Views Of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-002
Repeat Finding: No
Program Names/Assistance Listing Titles:
Assistance
Listing
Numbers:
Federal Award
Numbers:
Questioned
Costs:
Indian School Equalization 15.042 A23AV00840 N/A
Indian Education Facilities, Operation, and
Maintenance 15.047 A23AV00840 N/A
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior
Pass-Through Agency: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Type of Finding: Noncompliance, Significant Deficiency
Compliance Requirements: Reporting
Criteria
The School is required to file the Federal Financial Report, SF-425. Quarterly and semi-annual reports
are required to be submitted no later than 30 days after the end of each reporting period. Annual
reports are required to be submitted no later than 90 days at the end of each reporting period. The
SF-425 should report expenditures for each quarter.
Condition
Federal reporting deadlines were not met during the year and expenditures are not appropriately
reported.
Cause
The School did not have an adequate system in place to monitor compliance with reporting.
Effect
The School was not always in compliance with federal regulations and guidelines. Less than full
compliance with these reporting requirements could potentially result in a reduction or
discontinuation of program awards in the future.
Context
The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. The SF-425 for period
ending 12/31/23 was not submitted within 30 days of the end of the reporting period. The SF-425
reports for period ending 3/31/24 and 6/30/24 reported revenues for the period rather than
expenditures.
Recommendation
The School should implement standard procedures for the creation and submission of accurate
reports on a timely basis.
Views of Responsible Officials
See Corrective Action Plan.