Finding No: 2022-003 Activities Allowed or Unallowed/Allowable Costs Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Assistance Listing Number: 20.205 Pass-through Entity: Alabama Department of Transportation Pass-through Award Number: #2283(OX-002283-000) Program: Highway Planning and Constructi...
Finding No: 2022-003 Activities Allowed or Unallowed/Allowable Costs Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Assistance Listing Number: 20.205 Pass-through Entity: Alabama Department of Transportation Pass-through Award Number: #2283(OX-002283-000) Program: Highway Planning and Construction Cluster Award Year: August 4, 2021 through January 13, 2024 (a) Criteria or Requirement Per 2 CFR 200.303, the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. (b) Condition Found, Including Perspective During our test work over the Highway Planning and Construction program, we selected a sample of 50 disbursements made during the fiscal year. For one of the 50 disbursements sampled, we noted that the expenditure was approved for payment based on an inaccurate calculation on the underlying vendor invoice. (c) Possible Cause The University has a management review process to review invoices and related documentation before payments are disbursed. The management review control that was in place did not operate effectively to prevent inaccurate amounts from being submitted for reimbursement by the federal agency. (d) Questioned Cost None reportable. (e) Effect Federal funds were expended for inaccurate amounts. (f) Statistical Validity The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. (g) Repeat Finding in the Prior Year Not a repeat finding. (h) Recommendation We recommend that the University strengthen controls over the management review process to prevent inaccurate amounts from being charged to the Federal programs. (i) View of Responsible Officials Management concurs with the finding. While we have an adequate process in place, those responsible for steps of the review process need to be reminded of the importance of completing adequate reviews. (j) Corrective Action Plan An email will be sent to the Research Operations Council that reminds administrators, who are responsible for processing invoices, to confirm invoice calculations prior to processing for payment. Research administrators will also be re-trained at the next Research Operations Council meeting on the importance of thoroughly reviewing invoices received for payment. Inaccurate expenditures will be removed. (k) Anticipated Completion Date Email reminder of proper invoice review protocol sent November 11, 2022. Inaccurate expenditures will be removed from project by December 1, 2022. In-person reminder of process will be discussed at next in-person ROC meeting which is currently scheduled for December 1, 2022. (l) Name of Contact Person for Corrective Action Lindsey Sheffield, Manager, Office of Contracts and Grants: 251-460-6052