Finding Number 2023-104 Subject Heading (Financial) or AL no. and program name (Federal) 93.575 – CCDF Cluster Planned Corrective Action The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) respectfully does not concur with the finding as written. We believe the State Auditor and Inspector (SAI) has no...
Finding Number 2023-104 Subject Heading (Financial) or AL no. and program name (Federal) 93.575 – CCDF Cluster Planned Corrective Action The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) respectfully does not concur with the finding as written. We believe the State Auditor and Inspector (SAI) has not fully considered the federal flexibility afforded under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, and that some conclusions were drawn from incomplete documentation. The Child Care Desert Grant program was thoughtfully developed in response to urgent needs during the COVID-19 recovery, with the goal of expanding access to child care in underserved communities using the discretion and authority granted to states under federal guidance. While OKDHS acknowledges that improvements could have been made to certain aspects of the program’s implementation—particularly regarding documentation clarity, post-award monitoring, and technical assistance— the SAI findings do not reflect the intent, structure, or compliance framework outlined in federal guidance. 2 CFR § 200.303(a) – Internal Controls DHS has strengthened internal controls consistent with federal expectations. For example, in the instance involving a grantee related to a DHS official, the potential conflict was identified and escalated by OKDHS to SAI as well as the Ethics Commission, and the individual was not directly involved in the reviewing and approving award process. In addition, the employee’s spouse was not included on any documentation included in the facilities application. This demonstrates that internal controls operated effectively. 2 CFR § 200.403 – Allowability of Costs This regulation applies to allowability under the Uniform Guidance, but per 45 CFR § 75.101(d), Subpart E (which ncludes § 200.403) does not apply to CCDF ARP discretionary funds unless explicitly stated. Federal guidance, including ACF-IM-2021-03, affirms that states were given broad flexibility in the design and implementation of such programs. Accordingly, DHS used its discretion to structure payments and allowable uses consistent with that guidance. Many costs questioned by SAI—such as business technology, minor remodeling, and start-up costs—were clearly allowable per the Desert Grant Guidance. 42 U.S. Code § 9858c(c)(2)(I) DHS did not fund sectarian instruction or activities. Expenditures were related to facility compliance and licensing, which is expressly permitted under this section when needed to meet health and safety standards. Providers affirmed compliance in their applications. 42 U.S. Code § 9858k(a) No funding was used for sectarian worship or instruction. All grantees signed affirmations that they would comply with all federal requirements, including those related to religious neutrality. Where expenditures were found that may raise concerns, they are being reviewed for compliance with these requirements. 42 U.S. Code § 9858k(b) DHS did not provide funding for services rendered during the regular school day or for academic credit. In the referenced after-school program, funds were used to expand access to licensed child care outside of regular instructional hours. Documentation of use is being reviewed, and additional guidance will be provided to ensure clarity in future programs. 42 U.S. Code § 9858d(b) and 45 CFR § 98.2 – Construction and Renovation DHS recognizes that one provider exceeded the $350,000 minor remodeling limit. This was an isolated case. At the time, DHS did not interpret the project scope as meeting the federal definition of "major renovation." DHS is enhancing its oversight process and guidance to providers to ensure full alignment with federal cost limits moving forward. Additional Clarifications • Expenditures cited as unallowable often fall within the scope of minor remodeling, technology, or business development explicitly allowed in Desert Grant FAQs and ACF guidance. • SAI’s estimate of questioned costs includes speculative assumptions based on documentation gaps—not confirmed misuse. • Many of the questioned costs SAI appears to be extrapolating were supplied directly from OKDHS’ own internal audit team and have either been addressed or are under investigation and should not be included in any additional questioned cost extrapolation. • The program was developed under severe federal timelines (obligation by 9/30/23), and ACF’s memoranda explicitly encouraged innovative approaches, including expansion grants to new and small providers. Corrective Actions (Planned or Completed) to be implemented on future emergency awards 1. Policy & Procedure Enhancements – Revised award language, documentation standards, and milestone disbursement options are being implemented. 2. Conflict of Interest Controls – OKDHS had a conflict of interest control in place to try and capture all potential conflicts based on the structure of the agency. OKDHS is expanding the process to extend to any staff members that have decision making approval. 3. Improved Monitoring – Targeted post-award reviews, site checks, and spending verification measures are being conducted. 4. Provider Training & Technical Assistance – Providers are receiving additional education on fiscal documentation, grant compliance, and reporting expectations. Anticipated Completion Date N/A Responsible Contact Person Kayla Urtz