Audit 398083

Internal Control over Compliance or Compliance Findings Criteria: Uniform Guidance §200.318 (General Procurement Standards) requires recipients and subrecipients to maintain and follow documented procurement procedures for transactions under a Federal award or subaward. These procedures must be consistent with applicable State, local, or tribal laws and regulations, as well as the standards set forth in 2 CFR §§200.317–200.327. Documentation must include, at a minimum, the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for contract pricing. In addition, recipients must ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. Condition: Although the Organization followed procurement requirements in practice, including appropriate procurement methods, documentation of vendor selection, and verification that vendors were not suspended or debarred, it did not have formal, written procurement and suspension/debarment policies in place during the audit period. Cause: The Organization relied on established operating practices and staff knowledge to ensure compliance with federal procurement requirements. As a result, these practices were not formally documented in written policies aligned with 2 CFR Part 200. Effect: While no instances of noncompliance or questioned costs were identified, the absence of formal written policies increases the risk that procurement and suspension/debarment procedures may not be applied consistently in the future or adequately demonstrated during audits or monitoring reviews. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization formally document its existing procurement and suspension/debarment practices in written policies that comply with 2 CFR Part 200. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. The Organization notes that all federal procurement and suspension/debarment requirements were followed during the audit period and has formalized these practices in written policies for future federal awards.