Audit 364051

FY End
2022-12-31
Total Expended
$774,839
Findings
28
Programs
3
Organization: Tucson Audubon Society (AZ)
Year: 2022 Accepted: 2025-08-11

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
573240 2022-003 - - L
573241 2022-004 - Yes AB
573242 2022-003 - - L
573243 2022-004 - Yes AB
573244 2022-003 - - L
573245 2022-004 - Yes AB
573246 2022-003 - - L
573247 2022-004 - Yes AB
573248 2022-003 - - L
573249 2022-004 - Yes AB
573250 2022-003 - - L
573251 2022-004 - Yes AB
573252 2022-003 - - L
573253 2022-004 - Yes AB
1149682 2022-003 - - L
1149683 2022-004 - Yes AB
1149684 2022-003 - - L
1149685 2022-004 - Yes AB
1149686 2022-003 - - L
1149687 2022-004 - Yes AB
1149688 2022-003 - - L
1149689 2022-004 - Yes AB
1149690 2022-003 - - L
1149691 2022-004 - Yes AB
1149692 2022-003 - - L
1149693 2022-004 - Yes AB
1149694 2022-003 - - L
1149695 2022-004 - Yes AB

Contacts

Name Title Type
GPPHU6GU2L58 Melissa Fratello Auditee
5206290510 Jennifer J. Phillips Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Accounting Policies: The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the schedule) includes the federal award activity of the Organization. The information in this schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (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 Organization, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net assets, or cash flows of the Organization. Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual 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. De Minimis Rate Used: Y Rate Explanation: The Organization recovered its indirect costs using the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate provided under Section 200.414 of the Uniform Guidance.

Finding Details

Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.
Compliance Requirement: L Condition: Annual Federal Financial Reports (FFR) and Program Performance Reports (PPR) were not completed and submitted to the federal agency on time as required by the terms and conditions of the award. 8 of 12 reports reviewed were submitted late. Criteria: Federal grant agreements and 2 CFR Part §200.328, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, require recipients to submit FFR and PPR within specified deadlines (typically within 90 days of the award period). Cause and effect: Staffing resource constraints led to noncompliance with terms and conditions of the federal awards and the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: I recommend that management review its current processes and procedures to ensure reports are submitted timely, reviewed, and ensure evidence is retained to support the compilation, review, and submission of the reports and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: All FFR and PPR reporting requirements for all federal grants and agreements are tracked in a master spreadsheet, with reminders to all program and project managers at least 2 weeks in advance of reporting due dates.
Compliance Requirement: A/B Condition: I noted that an indirect rate of 17.5% percent was charged to federal awards instead of the 10% rate approved in the grant awards. Criteria: 2 CFR 200.414, Indirect Costs, require non-Federal entities to apply the negotiated indirect cost rate, or the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) if elected and applicable, consistently to all eligible federal awards. Cause and effect: The application of the incorrect indirect cost rate has resulted in unallowable charges to the federal award. Recommendation: I recommend management ensure that the proper indirect cost rate is properly applied in accordance with the Uniform Guidance and ensures that appropriate costs are charged to the awards consistent with their federally approved budgets. Views of Responsible Officials: Upon conducting the FY21 audit, TAS’ Director of Finance was informed that the inclusion of the Biological Expertise line item on federal budgets (approximately 7.5% additional uplift) was not allowable as it was currently being calculated. TAS is allowed a 10% de minimus rate on noted FY22 Federal awards some of which also included a Biological Expertise line item that is budgeted as an hourly rate. TAS had been calculating uplift amounts owed by simply adding the Biological Expertise (7.5%) to the de minimus rate (10%) for a total uplift of 17.5%. This was done at the direction and approval of our federal partners. However, due to Biological Expertise being entered in the federal and approved budgets as an hourly line item and not a percentage TAS was considered out of compliance by using this method of calculation. Moving forward TAS will be billing the de minimus rate (10%) as a percentage, unless otherwise noted in the agreement.