Audit 394040

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A230035 and 2023 Pass-Through Agency: Maryland State Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: 24132402 Award Period: October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2025 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Guidance requires non-federal entities to establish and follow documented procurement procedures that are consistent with federal procurement standards and ensure full and open competition. Such policies must address allowable procurement methods, required documentation, applicable thresholds, and approval requirements in accordance with 2 CFR §§ 200.317–200.327. Condition/Context: During testing of procurement transactions charged to the federal program, one of five procurement transactions tested did not follow the procurement requirements of Uniform Guidance. Specifically, the required procurement method was not properly applied and supporting documentation was insufficient to demonstrate compliance with federal procurement standards. Questioned Costs: None Cause: The Board’s procurement policies were not fully compliant with federal procurement requirements under Uniform Guidance. As a result, internal controls did not adequately ensure that procurement transactions charged to federal programs complied with applicable federal standards prior to payment. Effect: Procurement policies that are not aligned with federal requirements increase the risk of noncompliance with Uniform Guidance, potentially resulting in disallowed costs, reduced competition, or the need for corrective action by the pass-through or federal awarding agency. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Board revise its procurement policies to fully align with Uniform Guidance requirements and strengthen internal controls to ensure procurement transactions charged to federal awards are reviewed for compliance prior to payment. This should include updated policy guidance, staff training, and documented supervisory review. Views of Responsible Officials: The Board concurs with the finding.

Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H173A240089 and 2024 Pass-Through Agency: Maryland State Department of Education Pass-Through Numbers: 25033401 Award Period: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2026 Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200.403 and §200.309) requires that costs charged to a federal award be incurred during the approved period of performance and be allowable, allocable, and reasonable for the federal program. Costs incurred before the start date of the award period are not allowable unless specifically authorized by the federal awarding or pass-through agency. Condition/Context: During testing of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster, it was noted that one of three transactions tested were incurred and charged to the federal program prior to the beginning of the approved period of performance. Questioned Costs: $4,157.27 Cause: The Board did not have sufficient internal controls in place to ensure that expenditures charged to federal awards were reviewed for period-of-performance allowability prior to posting and payment. Effect: Charging expenditures incurred outside the approved period of performance increases the risk of unallowable costs, potential repayment to the pass-through or federal awarding agency, and noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Board strengthen internal controls over federal grant expenditure by implementing procedures to ensure costs are incurred within the approved period of performance prior to being charged to federal awards. This should include enhanced supervisory review, system controls where feasible, and training for staff responsible for grant accounting and compliance. Views of Responsible Officials: The Board concurs with the finding.