Audit 363891

FY End
2024-06-30
Total Expended
$4.02M
Findings
10
Programs
10
Organization: City of Nogales Arizona (AZ)
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2025-08-07

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
573027 2024-007 Material Weakness Yes I
573028 2024-008 Material Weakness Yes L
573029 2024-009 Material Weakness - N
573030 2024-007 Material Weakness Yes I
573031 2024-008 Material Weakness Yes L
1149469 2024-007 Material Weakness Yes I
1149470 2024-008 Material Weakness Yes L
1149471 2024-009 Material Weakness - N
1149472 2024-007 Material Weakness Yes I
1149473 2024-008 Material Weakness Yes L

Contacts

Name Title Type
Q6K4DX849JJ4 Jean Moehlman Auditee
5202876571 Jean Marie Dietrich Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: NOTE 1 GENERAL Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the modified accrual basis of accounting, which is described in Note 1 to the City’s basic financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance for all awards. Under these principles, certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The Auditee did not elect the 10 percent de minimus indirect cost rate. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the Schedule) includes the federal award activity of City of Nogales (City) under programs of the federal government for the year ended June 30, 2024. The information in this Schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of the City, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net position, or cash flows of the City.
Title: NOTE 2 BASIS OF ACCOUNTING Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the modified accrual basis of accounting, which is described in Note 1 to the City’s basic financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance for all awards. Under these principles, certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The Auditee did not elect the 10 percent de minimus indirect cost rate. Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the modified accrual basis of accounting, which is described in Note 1 to the City’s basic financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance for all awards. Under these principles, certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement.
Title: NOTE 3 INDIRECT COST Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the modified accrual basis of accounting, which is described in Note 1 to the City’s basic financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in the Uniform Guidance for all awards. Under these principles, certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: The Auditee did not elect the 10 percent de minimus indirect cost rate. The City did not elect the 10 percent de minimus indirect cost rate as covered in 2 CFR 200.414.

Finding Details

2024 – 007 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Department of Interior Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning ALN: 21.027 15.916 Pass-Through Agency: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning Arizona State Park Trails Pass-Through Number(s): Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04-007-652304 Award Number and Period: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) 1505-0271 3/3/2021 – 12/31/2024 Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04/18/2022-12/31/24 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the City of Nogales must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.324, the non-Federal entity must perform a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement action in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold including contract modifications. The method and degree of analysis is dependent on the facts surrounding the particular procurement situation, but as a starting point, the non-Federal entity must make independent estimates before receiving bids or proposals. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR section 180.220). All non-procurement transactions entered into by a pass-through entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR section 180.215. When a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non- Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by: (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov | Home (click on Search Record, then click on Advanced Search-Exclusions) (Note: The OMB guidance at 2 CFR part 180 and agency implementing regulations still refer to the SAM Exclusions as the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS)), (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). Condition: The following is a summary results for each audited program. Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) - Audit procedures included selection and testing of five competitively procured vendor contracts.  Three out of five vendors tested for procurement did not provide support for the procurement method used, price/bid comparison, and cost analysis performed.  One out of five vendors tested did not have a valid contract on file.  Five out of five vendors tested did not provide support for the SAMS verification check that the winning vendor was not suspended nor debarred from receiving federal funds prior to awarding the contract. Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning – Audit procedures included selection and testing of five competitively procured vendor contracts. • Five out of five vendors tested for procurement did not provide sample support requested to test procurement method selected, price/bid comparison, and cost analysis performed. • Five out of five vendors tested did not provide support for the SAMS verification check that the winning vendor was not suspended nor debarred from receiving federal funds prior to awarding the contract. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: See “Condition.” Cause: The City’s written procurement, suspension and debarment policies and procedures are in compliance with Uniform Grant Guidance but were not properly adhered to. Effect: The City is not in compliance with uniform grant guidance requirements related to procurement, suspension, and debarment. Repeat Finding: Yes. See 2024-005. Recommendation: The City of Nogales should enhance and/or modify existing controls over procurement, suspension and debarment policies and procedures to ensure adherence to all uniform grant guidance requirements. This could include implementing a more robust checklist that should be completed, signed off by management and included with each procurement which has all required items noted such as cost/price analysis and verification of suspension and debarment of vendors. Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan. Corrective action plan: See corrective action plan.
2024 – 008 Reporting Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Department of Interior Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning ALN: 21.027 15.916 Pass-Through Agency: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning Arizona State Park Trails Pass-Through Number(s): Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04-007-652304 Award Number and Period: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) 1505-0271 3/3/2021 – 12/31/2024 Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04/18/2022-12/31/24 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per the Compliance and Reporting Guidance: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Version 5.2, 2. Annual Reporting: The following recipients are required to submit annual Project and Expenditure Reports: • Tribal governments that are allocated less than $30 million in SLFRF funding • Metropolitan cities and counties with a population below 250,000 residents that are allocated less than $10 million in SLFRF funding and NEUs that are allocated less than $10 million in SLFRF funding For these recipients, the initial Project and Expenditure Report covered from March 3, 2021 to March 31, 2022 and was required to be submitted to Treasury by April 30, 2022. The subsequent annual reports will cover one calendar year and must be submitted to Treasury by April 30. 3. Required Information: The following information is required in Project and Expenditure Reports for both quarterly and annual reporting: Projects: Provide information on all SLFRF funded projects. Projects are defined as a grouping of closely related activities that together are intended to achieve a specific goal or are directed toward a common purpose. These activities can include new or existing eligible government services or investments funded in whole or in part by SLFRF funding. For each project, the recipient is required to enter the project name, identification number (created by the recipient), project expenditure category (see Appendix 1), description, and status of completion. Project descriptions must describe the project in sufficient detail to provide an understanding of the major activities that will occur, and must be between 50 and 250 words. Project descriptions for the emergency relief from natural disasters eligible use category must describe the natural disaster the recipient is responding to, including the type of event, and how the emergency relief is related to and reasonably proportional to the natural disaster. a. Projects should be defined to include only closely related activities directed toward a common purpose. Recipients should review the Required Programmatic Data described in 3.g. below and define their projects at a sufficient level of granularity. Note: For each project, the recipient is asked to select the appropriate Expenditure Category based on the scope of the project (see Appendix 1). Projects should be scoped to align to a single Expenditure Category. For select Expenditure Categories, the recipient also is asked to provide additional programmatic data. Condition: The following is a summary results for each audited program. Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) - Audit procedures included testing the SLFRF Compliance Report. During the testing of the Compliance report, it was noted that the report’s key line items below were not properly supported:  Current period expenditure  Cumulative expenditure Current period expenditures per the Compliance Report $0 and per the expenditure details provided $907,419 creating a difference of $907,419. Cumulative expenditure per Compliance Report $6,714,003 and per the expenditure detail provided $4,264,421 creating a difference of $2,449,582. Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning - Audit procedures included selection and testing of two quarterly reports. Two out of two of the quarterly reports tested contained no separate reviewer/approver support. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Current internal controls over the review and approval of prepared reports are not at an effective precision level to detect errors in the figures, answers, and explanations reported prior to submission. Effect: The City is not in compliance with Compliance and Reporting Guidance: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Version 5.2, 2.grant guidance requirements related to reporting. Repeat Finding: Yes. See 2023-007 Recommendation: The City of Nogales should enhance and/or modify existing controls over the review and approval of reporting to in order to prevent reporting noncompliance and ensure adherence to all grant guidance requirements. Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan. Corrective action plan: See corrective action plan.
2024 – 009 Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Federal Agency: Department of Interior Federal Program Title: Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning ALN: 15.916 Pass-Through Agency: Arizona State Park Trails Pass-Through Number(s): 04-007-652304 Award Number and Period: 04/18/2022-12/31/24 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the City of Nogales (City) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 40 USC 3141–3144, 3146, and 3147 All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors to work on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must be paid wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL). Per 29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contacts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction: Nonfederal entities shall include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (which still may be referenced as the Davis-Bacon Act) a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with those requirements and the DOL regulations. This includes a requirement for the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls) (29 CFR sections 5.5 and 5.6; the A-102 Common Rule (section 36(i)(5)); OMB Circular A-110 (2 CFR Part 215, Appendix A, Contract Provisions); 2 CFR Part 176, Subpart C; and 2 CFR section 200.326). Condition: There was no support provided for the three out of three contractor vendors with construction work noted on their purchase orders. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Current process and controls are not at the correct precision level to ensure special provisions regarding the Wage Rate compliances are being met. Effect: Ineffective internal controls may result in questioned costs and noncompliance with the terms of the grant award. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: The City of Nogales should refine its current process and associated controls surrounding the requirements in 40 USC 3141–3144, 3146, and 3147 to ensure they are met. Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan. Corrective action plan: See corrective action plan.
2024 – 007 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Department of Interior Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning ALN: 21.027 15.916 Pass-Through Agency: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning Arizona State Park Trails Pass-Through Number(s): Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04-007-652304 Award Number and Period: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) 1505-0271 3/3/2021 – 12/31/2024 Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04/18/2022-12/31/24 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the City of Nogales must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.324, the non-Federal entity must perform a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement action in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold including contract modifications. The method and degree of analysis is dependent on the facts surrounding the particular procurement situation, but as a starting point, the non-Federal entity must make independent estimates before receiving bids or proposals. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR section 180.220). All non-procurement transactions entered into by a pass-through entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR section 180.215. When a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non- Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by: (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov | Home (click on Search Record, then click on Advanced Search-Exclusions) (Note: The OMB guidance at 2 CFR part 180 and agency implementing regulations still refer to the SAM Exclusions as the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS)), (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). Condition: The following is a summary results for each audited program. Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) - Audit procedures included selection and testing of five competitively procured vendor contracts.  Three out of five vendors tested for procurement did not provide support for the procurement method used, price/bid comparison, and cost analysis performed.  One out of five vendors tested did not have a valid contract on file.  Five out of five vendors tested did not provide support for the SAMS verification check that the winning vendor was not suspended nor debarred from receiving federal funds prior to awarding the contract. Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning – Audit procedures included selection and testing of five competitively procured vendor contracts. • Five out of five vendors tested for procurement did not provide sample support requested to test procurement method selected, price/bid comparison, and cost analysis performed. • Five out of five vendors tested did not provide support for the SAMS verification check that the winning vendor was not suspended nor debarred from receiving federal funds prior to awarding the contract. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: See “Condition.” Cause: The City’s written procurement, suspension and debarment policies and procedures are in compliance with Uniform Grant Guidance but were not properly adhered to. Effect: The City is not in compliance with uniform grant guidance requirements related to procurement, suspension, and debarment. Repeat Finding: Yes. See 2024-005. Recommendation: The City of Nogales should enhance and/or modify existing controls over procurement, suspension and debarment policies and procedures to ensure adherence to all uniform grant guidance requirements. This could include implementing a more robust checklist that should be completed, signed off by management and included with each procurement which has all required items noted such as cost/price analysis and verification of suspension and debarment of vendors. Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan. Corrective action plan: See corrective action plan.
2024 – 008 Reporting Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Department of Interior Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning ALN: 21.027 15.916 Pass-Through Agency: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning Arizona State Park Trails Pass-Through Number(s): Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04-007-652304 Award Number and Period: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) 1505-0271 3/3/2021 – 12/31/2024 Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04/18/2022-12/31/24 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per the Compliance and Reporting Guidance: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Version 5.2, 2. Annual Reporting: The following recipients are required to submit annual Project and Expenditure Reports: • Tribal governments that are allocated less than $30 million in SLFRF funding • Metropolitan cities and counties with a population below 250,000 residents that are allocated less than $10 million in SLFRF funding and NEUs that are allocated less than $10 million in SLFRF funding For these recipients, the initial Project and Expenditure Report covered from March 3, 2021 to March 31, 2022 and was required to be submitted to Treasury by April 30, 2022. The subsequent annual reports will cover one calendar year and must be submitted to Treasury by April 30. 3. Required Information: The following information is required in Project and Expenditure Reports for both quarterly and annual reporting: Projects: Provide information on all SLFRF funded projects. Projects are defined as a grouping of closely related activities that together are intended to achieve a specific goal or are directed toward a common purpose. These activities can include new or existing eligible government services or investments funded in whole or in part by SLFRF funding. For each project, the recipient is required to enter the project name, identification number (created by the recipient), project expenditure category (see Appendix 1), description, and status of completion. Project descriptions must describe the project in sufficient detail to provide an understanding of the major activities that will occur, and must be between 50 and 250 words. Project descriptions for the emergency relief from natural disasters eligible use category must describe the natural disaster the recipient is responding to, including the type of event, and how the emergency relief is related to and reasonably proportional to the natural disaster. a. Projects should be defined to include only closely related activities directed toward a common purpose. Recipients should review the Required Programmatic Data described in 3.g. below and define their projects at a sufficient level of granularity. Note: For each project, the recipient is asked to select the appropriate Expenditure Category based on the scope of the project (see Appendix 1). Projects should be scoped to align to a single Expenditure Category. For select Expenditure Categories, the recipient also is asked to provide additional programmatic data. Condition: The following is a summary results for each audited program. Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) - Audit procedures included testing the SLFRF Compliance Report. During the testing of the Compliance report, it was noted that the report’s key line items below were not properly supported:  Current period expenditure  Cumulative expenditure Current period expenditures per the Compliance Report $0 and per the expenditure details provided $907,419 creating a difference of $907,419. Cumulative expenditure per Compliance Report $6,714,003 and per the expenditure detail provided $4,264,421 creating a difference of $2,449,582. Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning - Audit procedures included selection and testing of two quarterly reports. Two out of two of the quarterly reports tested contained no separate reviewer/approver support. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Current internal controls over the review and approval of prepared reports are not at an effective precision level to detect errors in the figures, answers, and explanations reported prior to submission. Effect: The City is not in compliance with Compliance and Reporting Guidance: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Version 5.2, 2.grant guidance requirements related to reporting. Repeat Finding: Yes. See 2023-007 Recommendation: The City of Nogales should enhance and/or modify existing controls over the review and approval of reporting to in order to prevent reporting noncompliance and ensure adherence to all grant guidance requirements. Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan. Corrective action plan: See corrective action plan.
2024 – 007 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Department of Interior Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning ALN: 21.027 15.916 Pass-Through Agency: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning Arizona State Park Trails Pass-Through Number(s): Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04-007-652304 Award Number and Period: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) 1505-0271 3/3/2021 – 12/31/2024 Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04/18/2022-12/31/24 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the City of Nogales must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.324, the non-Federal entity must perform a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement action in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold including contract modifications. The method and degree of analysis is dependent on the facts surrounding the particular procurement situation, but as a starting point, the non-Federal entity must make independent estimates before receiving bids or proposals. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR section 180.220). All non-procurement transactions entered into by a pass-through entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR section 180.215. When a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non- Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by: (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov | Home (click on Search Record, then click on Advanced Search-Exclusions) (Note: The OMB guidance at 2 CFR part 180 and agency implementing regulations still refer to the SAM Exclusions as the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS)), (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). Condition: The following is a summary results for each audited program. Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) - Audit procedures included selection and testing of five competitively procured vendor contracts.  Three out of five vendors tested for procurement did not provide support for the procurement method used, price/bid comparison, and cost analysis performed.  One out of five vendors tested did not have a valid contract on file.  Five out of five vendors tested did not provide support for the SAMS verification check that the winning vendor was not suspended nor debarred from receiving federal funds prior to awarding the contract. Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning – Audit procedures included selection and testing of five competitively procured vendor contracts. • Five out of five vendors tested for procurement did not provide sample support requested to test procurement method selected, price/bid comparison, and cost analysis performed. • Five out of five vendors tested did not provide support for the SAMS verification check that the winning vendor was not suspended nor debarred from receiving federal funds prior to awarding the contract. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: See “Condition.” Cause: The City’s written procurement, suspension and debarment policies and procedures are in compliance with Uniform Grant Guidance but were not properly adhered to. Effect: The City is not in compliance with uniform grant guidance requirements related to procurement, suspension, and debarment. Repeat Finding: Yes. See 2024-005. Recommendation: The City of Nogales should enhance and/or modify existing controls over procurement, suspension and debarment policies and procedures to ensure adherence to all uniform grant guidance requirements. This could include implementing a more robust checklist that should be completed, signed off by management and included with each procurement which has all required items noted such as cost/price analysis and verification of suspension and debarment of vendors. Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan. Corrective action plan: See corrective action plan.
2024 – 008 Reporting Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Department of Interior Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning ALN: 21.027 15.916 Pass-Through Agency: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning Arizona State Park Trails Pass-Through Number(s): Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04-007-652304 Award Number and Period: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) 1505-0271 3/3/2021 – 12/31/2024 Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04/18/2022-12/31/24 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per the Compliance and Reporting Guidance: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Version 5.2, 2. Annual Reporting: The following recipients are required to submit annual Project and Expenditure Reports: • Tribal governments that are allocated less than $30 million in SLFRF funding • Metropolitan cities and counties with a population below 250,000 residents that are allocated less than $10 million in SLFRF funding and NEUs that are allocated less than $10 million in SLFRF funding For these recipients, the initial Project and Expenditure Report covered from March 3, 2021 to March 31, 2022 and was required to be submitted to Treasury by April 30, 2022. The subsequent annual reports will cover one calendar year and must be submitted to Treasury by April 30. 3. Required Information: The following information is required in Project and Expenditure Reports for both quarterly and annual reporting: Projects: Provide information on all SLFRF funded projects. Projects are defined as a grouping of closely related activities that together are intended to achieve a specific goal or are directed toward a common purpose. These activities can include new or existing eligible government services or investments funded in whole or in part by SLFRF funding. For each project, the recipient is required to enter the project name, identification number (created by the recipient), project expenditure category (see Appendix 1), description, and status of completion. Project descriptions must describe the project in sufficient detail to provide an understanding of the major activities that will occur, and must be between 50 and 250 words. Project descriptions for the emergency relief from natural disasters eligible use category must describe the natural disaster the recipient is responding to, including the type of event, and how the emergency relief is related to and reasonably proportional to the natural disaster. a. Projects should be defined to include only closely related activities directed toward a common purpose. Recipients should review the Required Programmatic Data described in 3.g. below and define their projects at a sufficient level of granularity. Note: For each project, the recipient is asked to select the appropriate Expenditure Category based on the scope of the project (see Appendix 1). Projects should be scoped to align to a single Expenditure Category. For select Expenditure Categories, the recipient also is asked to provide additional programmatic data. Condition: The following is a summary results for each audited program. Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) - Audit procedures included testing the SLFRF Compliance Report. During the testing of the Compliance report, it was noted that the report’s key line items below were not properly supported:  Current period expenditure  Cumulative expenditure Current period expenditures per the Compliance Report $0 and per the expenditure details provided $907,419 creating a difference of $907,419. Cumulative expenditure per Compliance Report $6,714,003 and per the expenditure detail provided $4,264,421 creating a difference of $2,449,582. Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning - Audit procedures included selection and testing of two quarterly reports. Two out of two of the quarterly reports tested contained no separate reviewer/approver support. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Current internal controls over the review and approval of prepared reports are not at an effective precision level to detect errors in the figures, answers, and explanations reported prior to submission. Effect: The City is not in compliance with Compliance and Reporting Guidance: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Version 5.2, 2.grant guidance requirements related to reporting. Repeat Finding: Yes. See 2023-007 Recommendation: The City of Nogales should enhance and/or modify existing controls over the review and approval of reporting to in order to prevent reporting noncompliance and ensure adherence to all grant guidance requirements. Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan. Corrective action plan: See corrective action plan.
2024 – 009 Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Federal Agency: Department of Interior Federal Program Title: Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning ALN: 15.916 Pass-Through Agency: Arizona State Park Trails Pass-Through Number(s): 04-007-652304 Award Number and Period: 04/18/2022-12/31/24 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the City of Nogales (City) must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 40 USC 3141–3144, 3146, and 3147 All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors to work on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must be paid wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL). Per 29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contacts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction: Nonfederal entities shall include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements (which still may be referenced as the Davis-Bacon Act) a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with those requirements and the DOL regulations. This includes a requirement for the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls) (29 CFR sections 5.5 and 5.6; the A-102 Common Rule (section 36(i)(5)); OMB Circular A-110 (2 CFR Part 215, Appendix A, Contract Provisions); 2 CFR Part 176, Subpart C; and 2 CFR section 200.326). Condition: There was no support provided for the three out of three contractor vendors with construction work noted on their purchase orders. Questioned costs: None. Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Current process and controls are not at the correct precision level to ensure special provisions regarding the Wage Rate compliances are being met. Effect: Ineffective internal controls may result in questioned costs and noncompliance with the terms of the grant award. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: The City of Nogales should refine its current process and associated controls surrounding the requirements in 40 USC 3141–3144, 3146, and 3147 to ensure they are met. Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan. Corrective action plan: See corrective action plan.
2024 – 007 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Department of Interior Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning ALN: 21.027 15.916 Pass-Through Agency: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning Arizona State Park Trails Pass-Through Number(s): Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04-007-652304 Award Number and Period: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) 1505-0271 3/3/2021 – 12/31/2024 Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04/18/2022-12/31/24 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the City of Nogales must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that it 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 the “Internal Control Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Per 2 CFR 200.324, the non-Federal entity must perform a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement action in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold including contract modifications. The method and degree of analysis is dependent on the facts surrounding the particular procurement situation, but as a starting point, the non-Federal entity must make independent estimates before receiving bids or proposals. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR section 180.220). All non-procurement transactions entered into by a pass-through entity (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR section 180.215. When a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non- Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by: (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov | Home (click on Search Record, then click on Advanced Search-Exclusions) (Note: The OMB guidance at 2 CFR part 180 and agency implementing regulations still refer to the SAM Exclusions as the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS)), (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). Condition: The following is a summary results for each audited program. Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) - Audit procedures included selection and testing of five competitively procured vendor contracts.  Three out of five vendors tested for procurement did not provide support for the procurement method used, price/bid comparison, and cost analysis performed.  One out of five vendors tested did not have a valid contract on file.  Five out of five vendors tested did not provide support for the SAMS verification check that the winning vendor was not suspended nor debarred from receiving federal funds prior to awarding the contract. Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning – Audit procedures included selection and testing of five competitively procured vendor contracts. • Five out of five vendors tested for procurement did not provide sample support requested to test procurement method selected, price/bid comparison, and cost analysis performed. • Five out of five vendors tested did not provide support for the SAMS verification check that the winning vendor was not suspended nor debarred from receiving federal funds prior to awarding the contract. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: See “Condition.” Cause: The City’s written procurement, suspension and debarment policies and procedures are in compliance with Uniform Grant Guidance but were not properly adhered to. Effect: The City is not in compliance with uniform grant guidance requirements related to procurement, suspension, and debarment. Repeat Finding: Yes. See 2024-005. Recommendation: The City of Nogales should enhance and/or modify existing controls over procurement, suspension and debarment policies and procedures to ensure adherence to all uniform grant guidance requirements. This could include implementing a more robust checklist that should be completed, signed off by management and included with each procurement which has all required items noted such as cost/price analysis and verification of suspension and debarment of vendors. Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan. Corrective action plan: See corrective action plan.
2024 – 008 Reporting Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Department of Interior Federal Program Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning ALN: 21.027 15.916 Pass-Through Agency: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning Arizona State Park Trails Pass-Through Number(s): Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) N/A Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04-007-652304 Award Number and Period: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) 1505-0271 3/3/2021 – 12/31/2024 Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning 04/18/2022-12/31/24 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per the Compliance and Reporting Guidance: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) Version 5.2, 2. Annual Reporting: The following recipients are required to submit annual Project and Expenditure Reports: • Tribal governments that are allocated less than $30 million in SLFRF funding • Metropolitan cities and counties with a population below 250,000 residents that are allocated less than $10 million in SLFRF funding and NEUs that are allocated less than $10 million in SLFRF funding For these recipients, the initial Project and Expenditure Report covered from March 3, 2021 to March 31, 2022 and was required to be submitted to Treasury by April 30, 2022. The subsequent annual reports will cover one calendar year and must be submitted to Treasury by April 30. 3. Required Information: The following information is required in Project and Expenditure Reports for both quarterly and annual reporting: Projects: Provide information on all SLFRF funded projects. Projects are defined as a grouping of closely related activities that together are intended to achieve a specific goal or are directed toward a common purpose. These activities can include new or existing eligible government services or investments funded in whole or in part by SLFRF funding. For each project, the recipient is required to enter the project name, identification number (created by the recipient), project expenditure category (see Appendix 1), description, and status of completion. Project descriptions must describe the project in sufficient detail to provide an understanding of the major activities that will occur, and must be between 50 and 250 words. Project descriptions for the emergency relief from natural disasters eligible use category must describe the natural disaster the recipient is responding to, including the type of event, and how the emergency relief is related to and reasonably proportional to the natural disaster. a. Projects should be defined to include only closely related activities directed toward a common purpose. Recipients should review the Required Programmatic Data described in 3.g. below and define their projects at a sufficient level of granularity. Note: For each project, the recipient is asked to select the appropriate Expenditure Category based on the scope of the project (see Appendix 1). Projects should be scoped to align to a single Expenditure Category. For select Expenditure Categories, the recipient also is asked to provide additional programmatic data. Condition: The following is a summary results for each audited program. Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) - Audit procedures included testing the SLFRF Compliance Report. During the testing of the Compliance report, it was noted that the report’s key line items below were not properly supported:  Current period expenditure  Cumulative expenditure Current period expenditures per the Compliance Report $0 and per the expenditure details provided $907,419 creating a difference of $907,419. Cumulative expenditure per Compliance Report $6,714,003 and per the expenditure detail provided $4,264,421 creating a difference of $2,449,582. Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning - Audit procedures included selection and testing of two quarterly reports. Two out of two of the quarterly reports tested contained no separate reviewer/approver support. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Current internal controls over the review and approval of prepared reports are not at an effective precision level to detect errors in the figures, answers, and explanations reported prior to submission. Effect: The City is not in compliance with Compliance and Reporting Guidance: State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Version 5.2, 2.grant guidance requirements related to reporting. Repeat Finding: Yes. See 2023-007 Recommendation: The City of Nogales should enhance and/or modify existing controls over the review and approval of reporting to in order to prevent reporting noncompliance and ensure adherence to all grant guidance requirements. Views of responsible officials: See corrective action plan. Corrective action plan: See corrective action plan.