Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.
Northeastern University
Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs
For the Year Ended June 30, 2023
2023-001 – Equipment management
Cluster: Research and Development Cluster (“R&D Cluster”)
Grantor: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Name: Various - All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Award Year: FY2023
Assistance Listing Number: Various – All R&D Cluster awards with equipment
Condition
University department liaisons are provided with an equipment listing for their department which is verified
for existence by the department and then sent back to Accounting. Any discrepancies are noted and
updated in the University’s system. Assets purchased are tagged and entered into the University's
system using an asset input sheet that contains fields such as description, manufacturer, original cost,
asset location on campus, asset tag, and serial number. Federally purchased assets are flagged as such
in the University’s system to indicate that they have been purchased with federal money. We noted,
however, that the University has been flagging equipment purchased with grant funding as federal
regardless of whether the grant is federal nonfederal. The University performs a physical inventory of
federal equipment each year.
We selected 55 assets covering various locations across campus and noted 9 assets with incorrect
identification information as follows:
• 7 of the 9 had tag numbers that were incorrect in the system by a few digits
• 2 of the 9 were tagged correctly, but the location was incorrect in the system
• 3 of the 9 were incorrectly identified as federal equipment on the equipment listing
Criteria
2 CFR 200.313(d) requires that property records be maintained that include, among other things,
a description of the property and a serial number or other identification number. A control system must
be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of property. Any loss,
damage, or theft must be investigated.
Cause
Prior to May 2023, the University’s equipment tracking process was performed by a third party consultant
who did not have a full understanding of the requirements. Equipment was tagged as federal if it was
purchased as part of any grant (federal or non-federal), not just if the equipment was purchased under
a federal grant, which results in the University being unable to provide a listing of federally funded
equipment only.
Effect
The lack of an employee or party responsible for the understanding and oversight of the equipment
maintenance process including a process to identify only federally purchased equipment, can result in
incomplete equipment inventory records.
Questioned Costs
There are no questioned costs associated with this finding.
Recommendation
We recommend the University improve the documentation and tracking of equipment by ensuring tags or
other identification numbers are accurately input into the system. We recommend the University flag only
equipment purchased with federal funds in the system so that an inventory of federal equipment can be
provided when necessary.
Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan
Management’s response is included in “Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan” included at the
end of this report after the summary schedule of status of prior audit findings.