Finding 2024-001 - Reporting: Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act ("FFATA") - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program, and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program; Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224, 93.527, and 93.918 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: Health Center Program Cluster: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, and H8KCS49691 - 2024; Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: H76HA00521 - 2023, and H76HA00521 - 2024 Criteria 1. In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 2. Under the requirements of the FFATA (Pub. L. No. 109-282), as amended by Section 6202 of Pub. L. No. 110-252, that are codified in 2 CFR Part 170, prime recipients (i.e., direct recipients) of grants or cooperative agreements are required to report first-tier subawards of $30,000 or more to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Subaward Reporting System (FSRS). The prime recipient is required to file a FFATA subaward report by the end of the month following the month in which the prime recipient awards any sub-grant greater than or equal to $30,000. Condition Health Center Program Cluster: 1. During our audit, we noted the FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Transactions Tested Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements 2 0 2 0 0 Dollar Amount of Tested Transactions Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements $4,153,728 $0 $4,153,728 $0 $0 Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. During our audit, we noted the evidence of review and approval was performed after the FFATA subaward was submitted to the FSRS. 3. During our audit, we noted the FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Transactions Tested Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements 1 0 1 0 0 Dollar Amount of Tested Transactions Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements $191,710 $0 $191,710 $0 $0 Cause Health Center Program Cluster: 1. As a result of personnel changes within the finance department, the FFATA reporting was not done timely. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. There is no formal policy in place requiring the CFO (or designee) to review and approve the FFATA reports before submission to the FSRS. 3. As a result of personnel changes within the finance department, the FFATA reporting was not done timely. Effect or Potential Effect 1. The condition could result in key data elements inaccurately reported and/or not supported by the source documentation. 2. The FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Questioned Costs None. Context Health Center Program Cluster: Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: One exception from a statistically valid sample of one. Identification as Repeat Finding Health Center Program Cluster: 1. Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-002) Recommendation Health Center Program Cluster: 1. We recommend that management create an e-mail reminder or other alert mechanism and implement controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements under FFATA. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. We recommend that all FFATA reports be reviewed and approved by the CFO or designee before submission to FSRS and evidence of approval be maintained. 3. We recommend that management create an e-mail reminder or other alert mechanism and implement controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements under FFATA. Views of Responsible Officials Health Center Program Cluster: 1. BCHN has created a policy regarding the FFATA reporting process. In this process the Electronic Handbook (EHB) is reviewed weekly to ensure that if new awarded funding is released, BCHN is alerted to the need to complete the FFATA report. BCHN has created a spreadsheet to track all the awarded funding and due dates for FFATA reports. Every month, at the board meeting, the spreadsheet is presented to the board with any new awarded funding and when the FFATA report is completed. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. BCHN has begun a process where the FFATA report is put together by the Finance Manager and reviewed and signed off by the CFO before submitting the report. 3. BCHN has created a policy regarding the FFATA reporting process. In this process the Electronic Handbook (EHB) is reviewed weekly to ensure that if new awarded funding is released, BCHN is alerted to the need to complete the FFATA report. BCHN has created a spreadsheet to track all the awarded funding and due dates for FFATA reports. Every month, at the board meeting, the spreadsheet is presented to the board with any new awarded funding and when the FFATA report is completed.
Finding 2024-002 - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program; COVID-19 - Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224, 93.527 and 93.526 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: Health Center Program Cluster: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024; COVID-19 - Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers: C8ECS44684 - 2021 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.214, nonfederal entities are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Condition During our audit, we noted that BCHN did not perform a timely check at the System for Award Management Exclusions (sam.gov) to verify whether an employee or a vendor had been suspended or debarred before being hired. Cause There is no formal policy in place requiring a check to be performed at sam.gov for prospective employees and vendors. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in employees or vendors who are suspended or debarred receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs None. Context 1. Health Center Cluster Program: Five exceptions from a statistically valid sample of five. 2. Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers: Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding 1. Health Center Cluster Program: Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-003) Recommendation We recommend Human Resources (HR) personnel/management perform a check at sam.gov prior to the hire of an employee or vendor to ensure the employee or vendor was not suspended or debarred and retain evidence of that verification, including the date it was performed. We also recommend a check at sam.gov be done annually thereafter and evidence of that verification be maintained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has engaged a company to aid in the review of vendors and employees that are excluded or debarred. This company checks for exclusion or debarment monthly and provides BCHN with a report indicating that the check was done. The company will alert BCHN if any vendors or employees are flagged. This will help BCHN to ensure that this check is done timely.
Finding 2024-003 - Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224 and 93.527 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition During our audit, we noted that there was no evidence, such as a signature, evidencing review and approval by a direct supervisor of the timesheets and time and effort reports were not done. Cause There is no formal policy requiring timesheets and time and effort reports be approved by a direct supervisor and evidence of approval retained. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in inaccuracies in the allocation of salaries to the federal grants or unallowable costs being charged. Questioned Costs None. Context Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-004) Recommendation We recommend that management put in place a formal policy requiring all timesheets be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of that approval be retained. We also recommend a time and effort report be done for every employee and be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of the approval be retained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has put together a training program for employees to ensure that timecards are reviewed and approved by both the employee and the supervisor on a bi-weekly basis. Before payroll is processed, approvals by employees and supervisors will be checked. HR will provide a monthly time and effort report to the finance team. This report will provide total number of hours worked by each employee for each assigned cost center.
Finding 2024-004 - Period of Performance - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224 and 93.527 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition During our audit, we noted that there was no evidence, such as a signature, evidencing review and approval by a direct supervisor of the timesheets and time and effort reports were not done. Cause There is no formal policy requiring timesheets and time and effort reports be approved by a direct supervisor and evidence of approval retained. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in inaccuracies in the allocation of salaries to the federal grants or costs not incurred within the period of performance. Questioned Costs None. Context Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that management put in place a formal policy requiring all timesheets be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of that approval be retained. We also recommend a time and effort report be done for every employee and be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of the approval be retained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has put together a training program for employees to ensure that timecards are reviewed and approved by both the employee and the supervisor on a bi-weekly basis. Before payroll is processed, approvals by employees and supervisors will be checked. HR will provide a monthly time and effort report to the finance team. This report will provide total number of hours worked by each employee for each assigned cost center.
Finding 2024-001 - Reporting: Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act ("FFATA") - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program, and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program; Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224, 93.527, and 93.918 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: Health Center Program Cluster: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, and H8KCS49691 - 2024; Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: H76HA00521 - 2023, and H76HA00521 - 2024 Criteria 1. In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 2. Under the requirements of the FFATA (Pub. L. No. 109-282), as amended by Section 6202 of Pub. L. No. 110-252, that are codified in 2 CFR Part 170, prime recipients (i.e., direct recipients) of grants or cooperative agreements are required to report first-tier subawards of $30,000 or more to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Subaward Reporting System (FSRS). The prime recipient is required to file a FFATA subaward report by the end of the month following the month in which the prime recipient awards any sub-grant greater than or equal to $30,000. Condition Health Center Program Cluster: 1. During our audit, we noted the FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Transactions Tested Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements 2 0 2 0 0 Dollar Amount of Tested Transactions Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements $4,153,728 $0 $4,153,728 $0 $0 Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. During our audit, we noted the evidence of review and approval was performed after the FFATA subaward was submitted to the FSRS. 3. During our audit, we noted the FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Transactions Tested Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements 1 0 1 0 0 Dollar Amount of Tested Transactions Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements $191,710 $0 $191,710 $0 $0 Cause Health Center Program Cluster: 1. As a result of personnel changes within the finance department, the FFATA reporting was not done timely. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. There is no formal policy in place requiring the CFO (or designee) to review and approve the FFATA reports before submission to the FSRS. 3. As a result of personnel changes within the finance department, the FFATA reporting was not done timely. Effect or Potential Effect 1. The condition could result in key data elements inaccurately reported and/or not supported by the source documentation. 2. The FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Questioned Costs None. Context Health Center Program Cluster: Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: One exception from a statistically valid sample of one. Identification as Repeat Finding Health Center Program Cluster: 1. Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-002) Recommendation Health Center Program Cluster: 1. We recommend that management create an e-mail reminder or other alert mechanism and implement controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements under FFATA. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. We recommend that all FFATA reports be reviewed and approved by the CFO or designee before submission to FSRS and evidence of approval be maintained. 3. We recommend that management create an e-mail reminder or other alert mechanism and implement controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements under FFATA. Views of Responsible Officials Health Center Program Cluster: 1. BCHN has created a policy regarding the FFATA reporting process. In this process the Electronic Handbook (EHB) is reviewed weekly to ensure that if new awarded funding is released, BCHN is alerted to the need to complete the FFATA report. BCHN has created a spreadsheet to track all the awarded funding and due dates for FFATA reports. Every month, at the board meeting, the spreadsheet is presented to the board with any new awarded funding and when the FFATA report is completed. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. BCHN has begun a process where the FFATA report is put together by the Finance Manager and reviewed and signed off by the CFO before submitting the report. 3. BCHN has created a policy regarding the FFATA reporting process. In this process the Electronic Handbook (EHB) is reviewed weekly to ensure that if new awarded funding is released, BCHN is alerted to the need to complete the FFATA report. BCHN has created a spreadsheet to track all the awarded funding and due dates for FFATA reports. Every month, at the board meeting, the spreadsheet is presented to the board with any new awarded funding and when the FFATA report is completed.
Finding 2024-002 - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program; COVID-19 - Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224, 93.527 and 93.526 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: Health Center Program Cluster: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024; COVID-19 - Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers: C8ECS44684 - 2021 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.214, nonfederal entities are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Condition During our audit, we noted that BCHN did not perform a timely check at the System for Award Management Exclusions (sam.gov) to verify whether an employee or a vendor had been suspended or debarred before being hired. Cause There is no formal policy in place requiring a check to be performed at sam.gov for prospective employees and vendors. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in employees or vendors who are suspended or debarred receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs None. Context 1. Health Center Cluster Program: Five exceptions from a statistically valid sample of five. 2. Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers: Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding 1. Health Center Cluster Program: Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-003) Recommendation We recommend Human Resources (HR) personnel/management perform a check at sam.gov prior to the hire of an employee or vendor to ensure the employee or vendor was not suspended or debarred and retain evidence of that verification, including the date it was performed. We also recommend a check at sam.gov be done annually thereafter and evidence of that verification be maintained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has engaged a company to aid in the review of vendors and employees that are excluded or debarred. This company checks for exclusion or debarment monthly and provides BCHN with a report indicating that the check was done. The company will alert BCHN if any vendors or employees are flagged. This will help BCHN to ensure that this check is done timely.
Finding 2024-003 - Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224 and 93.527 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition During our audit, we noted that there was no evidence, such as a signature, evidencing review and approval by a direct supervisor of the timesheets and time and effort reports were not done. Cause There is no formal policy requiring timesheets and time and effort reports be approved by a direct supervisor and evidence of approval retained. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in inaccuracies in the allocation of salaries to the federal grants or unallowable costs being charged. Questioned Costs None. Context Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-004) Recommendation We recommend that management put in place a formal policy requiring all timesheets be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of that approval be retained. We also recommend a time and effort report be done for every employee and be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of the approval be retained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has put together a training program for employees to ensure that timecards are reviewed and approved by both the employee and the supervisor on a bi-weekly basis. Before payroll is processed, approvals by employees and supervisors will be checked. HR will provide a monthly time and effort report to the finance team. This report will provide total number of hours worked by each employee for each assigned cost center.
Finding 2024-004 - Period of Performance - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224 and 93.527 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition During our audit, we noted that there was no evidence, such as a signature, evidencing review and approval by a direct supervisor of the timesheets and time and effort reports were not done. Cause There is no formal policy requiring timesheets and time and effort reports be approved by a direct supervisor and evidence of approval retained. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in inaccuracies in the allocation of salaries to the federal grants or costs not incurred within the period of performance. Questioned Costs None. Context Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that management put in place a formal policy requiring all timesheets be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of that approval be retained. We also recommend a time and effort report be done for every employee and be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of the approval be retained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has put together a training program for employees to ensure that timecards are reviewed and approved by both the employee and the supervisor on a bi-weekly basis. Before payroll is processed, approvals by employees and supervisors will be checked. HR will provide a monthly time and effort report to the finance team. This report will provide total number of hours worked by each employee for each assigned cost center.
Finding 2024-001 - Reporting: Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act ("FFATA") - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program, and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program; Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224, 93.527, and 93.918 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: Health Center Program Cluster: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, and H8KCS49691 - 2024; Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: H76HA00521 - 2023, and H76HA00521 - 2024 Criteria 1. In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 2. Under the requirements of the FFATA (Pub. L. No. 109-282), as amended by Section 6202 of Pub. L. No. 110-252, that are codified in 2 CFR Part 170, prime recipients (i.e., direct recipients) of grants or cooperative agreements are required to report first-tier subawards of $30,000 or more to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Subaward Reporting System (FSRS). The prime recipient is required to file a FFATA subaward report by the end of the month following the month in which the prime recipient awards any sub-grant greater than or equal to $30,000. Condition Health Center Program Cluster: 1. During our audit, we noted the FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Transactions Tested Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements 2 0 2 0 0 Dollar Amount of Tested Transactions Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements $4,153,728 $0 $4,153,728 $0 $0 Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. During our audit, we noted the evidence of review and approval was performed after the FFATA subaward was submitted to the FSRS. 3. During our audit, we noted the FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Transactions Tested Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements 1 0 1 0 0 Dollar Amount of Tested Transactions Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements $191,710 $0 $191,710 $0 $0 Cause Health Center Program Cluster: 1. As a result of personnel changes within the finance department, the FFATA reporting was not done timely. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. There is no formal policy in place requiring the CFO (or designee) to review and approve the FFATA reports before submission to the FSRS. 3. As a result of personnel changes within the finance department, the FFATA reporting was not done timely. Effect or Potential Effect 1. The condition could result in key data elements inaccurately reported and/or not supported by the source documentation. 2. The FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Questioned Costs None. Context Health Center Program Cluster: Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: One exception from a statistically valid sample of one. Identification as Repeat Finding Health Center Program Cluster: 1. Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-002) Recommendation Health Center Program Cluster: 1. We recommend that management create an e-mail reminder or other alert mechanism and implement controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements under FFATA. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. We recommend that all FFATA reports be reviewed and approved by the CFO or designee before submission to FSRS and evidence of approval be maintained. 3. We recommend that management create an e-mail reminder or other alert mechanism and implement controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements under FFATA. Views of Responsible Officials Health Center Program Cluster: 1. BCHN has created a policy regarding the FFATA reporting process. In this process the Electronic Handbook (EHB) is reviewed weekly to ensure that if new awarded funding is released, BCHN is alerted to the need to complete the FFATA report. BCHN has created a spreadsheet to track all the awarded funding and due dates for FFATA reports. Every month, at the board meeting, the spreadsheet is presented to the board with any new awarded funding and when the FFATA report is completed. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. BCHN has begun a process where the FFATA report is put together by the Finance Manager and reviewed and signed off by the CFO before submitting the report. 3. BCHN has created a policy regarding the FFATA reporting process. In this process the Electronic Handbook (EHB) is reviewed weekly to ensure that if new awarded funding is released, BCHN is alerted to the need to complete the FFATA report. BCHN has created a spreadsheet to track all the awarded funding and due dates for FFATA reports. Every month, at the board meeting, the spreadsheet is presented to the board with any new awarded funding and when the FFATA report is completed.
Finding 2024-002 - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program; COVID-19 - Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224, 93.527 and 93.526 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: Health Center Program Cluster: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024; COVID-19 - Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers: C8ECS44684 - 2021 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.214, nonfederal entities are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Condition During our audit, we noted that BCHN did not perform a timely check at the System for Award Management Exclusions (sam.gov) to verify whether an employee or a vendor had been suspended or debarred before being hired. Cause There is no formal policy in place requiring a check to be performed at sam.gov for prospective employees and vendors. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in employees or vendors who are suspended or debarred receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs None. Context 1. Health Center Cluster Program: Five exceptions from a statistically valid sample of five. 2. Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers: Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding 1. Health Center Cluster Program: Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-003) Recommendation We recommend Human Resources (HR) personnel/management perform a check at sam.gov prior to the hire of an employee or vendor to ensure the employee or vendor was not suspended or debarred and retain evidence of that verification, including the date it was performed. We also recommend a check at sam.gov be done annually thereafter and evidence of that verification be maintained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has engaged a company to aid in the review of vendors and employees that are excluded or debarred. This company checks for exclusion or debarment monthly and provides BCHN with a report indicating that the check was done. The company will alert BCHN if any vendors or employees are flagged. This will help BCHN to ensure that this check is done timely.
Finding 2024-003 - Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224 and 93.527 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition During our audit, we noted that there was no evidence, such as a signature, evidencing review and approval by a direct supervisor of the timesheets and time and effort reports were not done. Cause There is no formal policy requiring timesheets and time and effort reports be approved by a direct supervisor and evidence of approval retained. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in inaccuracies in the allocation of salaries to the federal grants or unallowable costs being charged. Questioned Costs None. Context Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-004) Recommendation We recommend that management put in place a formal policy requiring all timesheets be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of that approval be retained. We also recommend a time and effort report be done for every employee and be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of the approval be retained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has put together a training program for employees to ensure that timecards are reviewed and approved by both the employee and the supervisor on a bi-weekly basis. Before payroll is processed, approvals by employees and supervisors will be checked. HR will provide a monthly time and effort report to the finance team. This report will provide total number of hours worked by each employee for each assigned cost center.
Finding 2024-004 - Period of Performance - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224 and 93.527 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition During our audit, we noted that there was no evidence, such as a signature, evidencing review and approval by a direct supervisor of the timesheets and time and effort reports were not done. Cause There is no formal policy requiring timesheets and time and effort reports be approved by a direct supervisor and evidence of approval retained. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in inaccuracies in the allocation of salaries to the federal grants or costs not incurred within the period of performance. Questioned Costs None. Context Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that management put in place a formal policy requiring all timesheets be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of that approval be retained. We also recommend a time and effort report be done for every employee and be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of the approval be retained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has put together a training program for employees to ensure that timecards are reviewed and approved by both the employee and the supervisor on a bi-weekly basis. Before payroll is processed, approvals by employees and supervisors will be checked. HR will provide a monthly time and effort report to the finance team. This report will provide total number of hours worked by each employee for each assigned cost center.
Finding 2024-001 - Reporting: Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act ("FFATA") - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program, and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program; Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224, 93.527, and 93.918 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: Health Center Program Cluster: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, and H8KCS49691 - 2024; Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: H76HA00521 - 2023, and H76HA00521 - 2024 Criteria 1. In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 2. Under the requirements of the FFATA (Pub. L. No. 109-282), as amended by Section 6202 of Pub. L. No. 110-252, that are codified in 2 CFR Part 170, prime recipients (i.e., direct recipients) of grants or cooperative agreements are required to report first-tier subawards of $30,000 or more to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Subaward Reporting System (FSRS). The prime recipient is required to file a FFATA subaward report by the end of the month following the month in which the prime recipient awards any sub-grant greater than or equal to $30,000. Condition Health Center Program Cluster: 1. During our audit, we noted the FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Transactions Tested Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements 2 0 2 0 0 Dollar Amount of Tested Transactions Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements $4,153,728 $0 $4,153,728 $0 $0 Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. During our audit, we noted the evidence of review and approval was performed after the FFATA subaward was submitted to the FSRS. 3. During our audit, we noted the FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Transactions Tested Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements 1 0 1 0 0 Dollar Amount of Tested Transactions Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements $191,710 $0 $191,710 $0 $0 Cause Health Center Program Cluster: 1. As a result of personnel changes within the finance department, the FFATA reporting was not done timely. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. There is no formal policy in place requiring the CFO (or designee) to review and approve the FFATA reports before submission to the FSRS. 3. As a result of personnel changes within the finance department, the FFATA reporting was not done timely. Effect or Potential Effect 1. The condition could result in key data elements inaccurately reported and/or not supported by the source documentation. 2. The FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Questioned Costs None. Context Health Center Program Cluster: Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: One exception from a statistically valid sample of one. Identification as Repeat Finding Health Center Program Cluster: 1. Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-002) Recommendation Health Center Program Cluster: 1. We recommend that management create an e-mail reminder or other alert mechanism and implement controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements under FFATA. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. We recommend that all FFATA reports be reviewed and approved by the CFO or designee before submission to FSRS and evidence of approval be maintained. 3. We recommend that management create an e-mail reminder or other alert mechanism and implement controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements under FFATA. Views of Responsible Officials Health Center Program Cluster: 1. BCHN has created a policy regarding the FFATA reporting process. In this process the Electronic Handbook (EHB) is reviewed weekly to ensure that if new awarded funding is released, BCHN is alerted to the need to complete the FFATA report. BCHN has created a spreadsheet to track all the awarded funding and due dates for FFATA reports. Every month, at the board meeting, the spreadsheet is presented to the board with any new awarded funding and when the FFATA report is completed. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. BCHN has begun a process where the FFATA report is put together by the Finance Manager and reviewed and signed off by the CFO before submitting the report. 3. BCHN has created a policy regarding the FFATA reporting process. In this process the Electronic Handbook (EHB) is reviewed weekly to ensure that if new awarded funding is released, BCHN is alerted to the need to complete the FFATA report. BCHN has created a spreadsheet to track all the awarded funding and due dates for FFATA reports. Every month, at the board meeting, the spreadsheet is presented to the board with any new awarded funding and when the FFATA report is completed.
Finding 2024-002 - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program; COVID-19 - Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224, 93.527 and 93.526 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: Health Center Program Cluster: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024; COVID-19 - Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers: C8ECS44684 - 2021 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.214, nonfederal entities are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Condition During our audit, we noted that BCHN did not perform a timely check at the System for Award Management Exclusions (sam.gov) to verify whether an employee or a vendor had been suspended or debarred before being hired. Cause There is no formal policy in place requiring a check to be performed at sam.gov for prospective employees and vendors. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in employees or vendors who are suspended or debarred receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs None. Context 1. Health Center Cluster Program: Five exceptions from a statistically valid sample of five. 2. Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers: Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding 1. Health Center Cluster Program: Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-003) Recommendation We recommend Human Resources (HR) personnel/management perform a check at sam.gov prior to the hire of an employee or vendor to ensure the employee or vendor was not suspended or debarred and retain evidence of that verification, including the date it was performed. We also recommend a check at sam.gov be done annually thereafter and evidence of that verification be maintained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has engaged a company to aid in the review of vendors and employees that are excluded or debarred. This company checks for exclusion or debarment monthly and provides BCHN with a report indicating that the check was done. The company will alert BCHN if any vendors or employees are flagged. This will help BCHN to ensure that this check is done timely.
Finding 2024-003 - Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224 and 93.527 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition During our audit, we noted that there was no evidence, such as a signature, evidencing review and approval by a direct supervisor of the timesheets and time and effort reports were not done. Cause There is no formal policy requiring timesheets and time and effort reports be approved by a direct supervisor and evidence of approval retained. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in inaccuracies in the allocation of salaries to the federal grants or unallowable costs being charged. Questioned Costs None. Context Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-004) Recommendation We recommend that management put in place a formal policy requiring all timesheets be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of that approval be retained. We also recommend a time and effort report be done for every employee and be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of the approval be retained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has put together a training program for employees to ensure that timecards are reviewed and approved by both the employee and the supervisor on a bi-weekly basis. Before payroll is processed, approvals by employees and supervisors will be checked. HR will provide a monthly time and effort report to the finance team. This report will provide total number of hours worked by each employee for each assigned cost center.
Finding 2024-004 - Period of Performance - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224 and 93.527 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition During our audit, we noted that there was no evidence, such as a signature, evidencing review and approval by a direct supervisor of the timesheets and time and effort reports were not done. Cause There is no formal policy requiring timesheets and time and effort reports be approved by a direct supervisor and evidence of approval retained. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in inaccuracies in the allocation of salaries to the federal grants or costs not incurred within the period of performance. Questioned Costs None. Context Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that management put in place a formal policy requiring all timesheets be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of that approval be retained. We also recommend a time and effort report be done for every employee and be approved by a direct supervisor and that evidence of the approval be retained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has put together a training program for employees to ensure that timecards are reviewed and approved by both the employee and the supervisor on a bi-weekly basis. Before payroll is processed, approvals by employees and supervisors will be checked. HR will provide a monthly time and effort report to the finance team. This report will provide total number of hours worked by each employee for each assigned cost center.
Finding 2024-001 - Reporting: Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act ("FFATA") - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care and COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program, and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program; Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224, 93.527, and 93.918 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: Health Center Program Cluster: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, and H8KCS49691 - 2024; Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: H76HA00521 - 2023, and H76HA00521 - 2024 Criteria 1. In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls, the nonFederal entity must: (a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonFederal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government" issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 2. Under the requirements of the FFATA (Pub. L. No. 109-282), as amended by Section 6202 of Pub. L. No. 110-252, that are codified in 2 CFR Part 170, prime recipients (i.e., direct recipients) of grants or cooperative agreements are required to report first-tier subawards of $30,000 or more to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Subaward Reporting System (FSRS). The prime recipient is required to file a FFATA subaward report by the end of the month following the month in which the prime recipient awards any sub-grant greater than or equal to $30,000. Condition Health Center Program Cluster: 1. During our audit, we noted the FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Transactions Tested Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements 2 0 2 0 0 Dollar Amount of Tested Transactions Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements $4,153,728 $0 $4,153,728 $0 $0 Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. During our audit, we noted the evidence of review and approval was performed after the FFATA subaward was submitted to the FSRS. 3. During our audit, we noted the FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Transactions Tested Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements 1 0 1 0 0 Dollar Amount of Tested Transactions Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements $191,710 $0 $191,710 $0 $0 Cause Health Center Program Cluster: 1. As a result of personnel changes within the finance department, the FFATA reporting was not done timely. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. There is no formal policy in place requiring the CFO (or designee) to review and approve the FFATA reports before submission to the FSRS. 3. As a result of personnel changes within the finance department, the FFATA reporting was not done timely. Effect or Potential Effect 1. The condition could result in key data elements inaccurately reported and/or not supported by the source documentation. 2. The FFATA subawards were not submitted timely to the FSRS. Questioned Costs None. Context Health Center Program Cluster: Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: One exception from a statistically valid sample of one. Identification as Repeat Finding Health Center Program Cluster: 1. Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-002) Recommendation Health Center Program Cluster: 1. We recommend that management create an e-mail reminder or other alert mechanism and implement controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements under FFATA. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. We recommend that all FFATA reports be reviewed and approved by the CFO or designee before submission to FSRS and evidence of approval be maintained. 3. We recommend that management create an e-mail reminder or other alert mechanism and implement controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements under FFATA. Views of Responsible Officials Health Center Program Cluster: 1. BCHN has created a policy regarding the FFATA reporting process. In this process the Electronic Handbook (EHB) is reviewed weekly to ensure that if new awarded funding is released, BCHN is alerted to the need to complete the FFATA report. BCHN has created a spreadsheet to track all the awarded funding and due dates for FFATA reports. Every month, at the board meeting, the spreadsheet is presented to the board with any new awarded funding and when the FFATA report is completed. Grants to Provide Outpatient Early Intervention Services with Respect to HIV Disease: 2. BCHN has begun a process where the FFATA report is put together by the Finance Manager and reviewed and signed off by the CFO before submitting the report. 3. BCHN has created a policy regarding the FFATA reporting process. In this process the Electronic Handbook (EHB) is reviewed weekly to ensure that if new awarded funding is released, BCHN is alerted to the need to complete the FFATA report. BCHN has created a spreadsheet to track all the awarded funding and due dates for FFATA reports. Every month, at the board meeting, the spreadsheet is presented to the board with any new awarded funding and when the FFATA report is completed.
Finding 2024-002 - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment - Significant Deficiency Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Names: Health Center Program Cluster - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, COVID-19 - Community Health Centers, Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless, and Public Housing Primary Care, Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program and COVID-19 - Grants for New and Expanded Services Under the Health Center Program; COVID-19 - Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224, 93.527 and 93.526 Federal Award Identification Numbers and Years: Health Center Program Cluster: H8FCS40832 - 2021, H80CS00626 - 2022, H8CS00626 - 2023, H8LCS51759 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2023, H8KCS49691 - 2024; COVID-19 - Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers: C8ECS44684 - 2021 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.214, nonfederal entities are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Condition During our audit, we noted that BCHN did not perform a timely check at the System for Award Management Exclusions (sam.gov) to verify whether an employee or a vendor had been suspended or debarred before being hired. Cause There is no formal policy in place requiring a check to be performed at sam.gov for prospective employees and vendors. Effect or Potential Effect The condition could result in employees or vendors who are suspended or debarred receiving federal funds. Questioned Costs None. Context 1. Health Center Cluster Program: Five exceptions from a statistically valid sample of five. 2. Grants for Capital Development in Health Centers: Two exceptions from a statistically valid sample of two. Identification as Repeat Finding 1. Health Center Cluster Program: Yes (see prior year finding number 2023-003) Recommendation We recommend Human Resources (HR) personnel/management perform a check at sam.gov prior to the hire of an employee or vendor to ensure the employee or vendor was not suspended or debarred and retain evidence of that verification, including the date it was performed. We also recommend a check at sam.gov be done annually thereafter and evidence of that verification be maintained. Views of Responsible Officials BCHN has engaged a company to aid in the review of vendors and employees that are excluded or debarred. This company checks for exclusion or debarment monthly and provides BCHN with a report indicating that the check was done. The company will alert BCHN if any vendors or employees are flagged. This will help BCHN to ensure that this check is done timely.