Audit 409461

2025-005 Lack of Documentation for SAM.gov Exclusion Checks Type: Material Weakness Condition: The Organization did not retain documentation to support that exclusion checks were performed on SAM.gov for vendors and subrecipients associated with the Community Resilience Hubs for Detroit Neighborhoods program. As a result, there is no evidence that the entity verified whether these parties were suspended or debarred prior to entering covered transactions. Criteria: Per 2 CFR 180.300 and 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance, non-federal entities must verify that contractors and subrecipients are not suspended or debarred before awarding federal funds. Acceptable methods include: - Checking the SAM.gov exclusion list, - Collecting a certification from the entity, - Including a clause in the contract or agreement. - Documentation of the verification process must be retained to demonstrate compliance. Cause: The Organization did not have a formal process in place to ensure that SAM.gov checks were performed and documented prior to awarding federal funds. Effect: Without documented verification, there is a risk that federal funds could be awarded to ineligible parties, potentially resulting in noncompliance with federal regulations and exposure to questioned costs or future audit findings. Questioned Costs: n/a Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement and enforce procedures to: - Perform SAM.gov exclusion checks prior to awarding federal funds, - Retain screenshots or other documentation as evidence of the checks, - Train relevant staff on compliance requirements under Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs with the auditor’s finding regarding the lack of verification against the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) prior to entering into agreements with subrecipients and contractors under federal awards. We acknowledge that conducting these checks is a critical control to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to prevent engagement with suspended or debarred entities. The omission was due to a gap in our internal procedures, and we are taking immediate corrective action. Management is implementing a formal policy requiring SAM.gov verification for all applicable transactions, and staff will be trained on the updated procedures. We are also exploring automated solutions to ensure consistent documentation and compliance moving forward. We appreciate the auditor’s observation and remain committed to strengthening our internal controls and ensuring full compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements.

2025-004 - Lack of Written Federal Program Policies Type: Material Weakness Condition: The Organization does not have documented policies and procedures specific to the administration of the Community Resilience Hubs for Detroit Neighborhoods program. This includes the absence of written guidance on key compliance areas such as payments, procurement, allowability of costs charged to federal programs, compensation, and travel costs under Uniform Guidance. Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.303 and 200.331 of the Uniform Guidance, non-federal entities are required to establish and maintain effective internal controls and written policies to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards. These policies should be tailored to the specific requirements of each federal program. Cause: The entity has not developed formal written policies and procedures for the Community Resilience Hubs for Detroit Neighborhoods program, possibly due to reliance on informal practices or general administrative policies that do not address federal-specific requirements. Effect: Without documented policies, there is an increased risk of noncompliance with federal requirements, inconsistent program administration, and lack of accountability. This may result in questioned costs, audit findings, or potential repayment of federal funds. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization develop and implement written policies and procedures specific to the Community Resilience Hubs for Detroit Neighborhoods program. These should include: - Payments in accordance with §200.302 (6) - Procurement in accordance with §200.318 - Allowability of costs charged to federal programs in accordance with §200.302 (7) - Compensation in accordance with §200.430 and §200.431 - Travel costs in accordance with §200.474. Training should also be provided to staff responsible for administering the program to ensure consistent application of these policies. Views of Responsible Officials: Management acknowledges the auditor’s finding regarding the absence of formally documented federal program policies. We recognize the importance of maintaining written procedures to ensure consistent compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements and to strengthen internal controls over federal awards. While informal practices have historically guided our federal program administration, we agree that formalizing these policies will enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency. Management is currently in the process of developing written policies covering key areas such as procurement, allowable costs, subrecipient monitoring, and cash management. We anticipate completing this documentation and implementing the policies by December 31, 2026. We are committed to continuous improvement and appreciate the auditor’s recommendations as part of our efforts to maintain strong compliance and stewardship of federal funds.