Corrective Action Plans

Finding 537378 (2024-018)

Material Weakness 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Questioned Costs Subrecipient Monitoring Material Weakness § 200.303

Reference Number: 2024-018 Prior Year Finding: 2023-024 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services State Agency: Agency of Human Services Federal Program: COVID-19 - Activities to Support State, Tribal, Local and Territorial (STLT) Health Department Response to Public Health or Hea...

Reference Number: 2024-018 Prior Year Finding: 2023-024 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services State Agency: Agency of Human Services Federal Program: COVID-19 - Activities to Support State, Tribal, Local and Territorial (STLT) Health Department Response to Public Health or Healthcare Crises Assistance Listing Number: 93.391 Award Number and Year: NH75OT000034 (6/1/2021 – 5/31/2026) Compliance Requirement: Reporting – Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance, Material Noncompliance Recommendation: We recommend the Agency complete implementation of its prior year CAP to ensure that all required subawards and subaward modifications are reported timely to FSRS in accordance with FFATA requirements and that all previously issued subawards are reported. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The Financial Administrator will ensure that subrecipient grants containing federal funding that meet the FFATA reporting threshold are marked as “required for entry into the FSRS system” upon grant execution. The Financial Administrator and Manager will then confirm that all executed agreements that meet the FFATA reporting requirement have been entered and submitted into the FSRS system by the last business day of each month. Please note that the scheduled completion date is 2/1/23 as the same FFATA reporting finding was identified for a different program during the SFY22 Single Audit, and the corrective action plan was applied across the Department as a whole. The FFATA issues identified in the SFY24 Single Audit pre-dated the implementation of the Health Department’s original corrective action plan. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: February 1, 2023 Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Lillian Smith, Financial Administrator lillian.smith@vermont.gov Jessica Brown, Financial Manager jessica.brown@vermont.gov Megan Hoke, Financial Director megan.hoke@vermont.gov Peter Moino, Director of Internal Audit peter.moino@vermont.gov

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Finding 537377 (2024-017)

Material Weakness 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Questioned Costs Material Weakness Reporting § 200.303

Reference Number: 2024-017 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services State Agency: Agency of Human Services Federal Program: COVID-19 - Activities to Support State, Tribal, Local and Territorial (STLT) Health Department Response to Public Health or Healthcar...

Reference Number: 2024-017 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services State Agency: Agency of Human Services Federal Program: COVID-19 - Activities to Support State, Tribal, Local and Territorial (STLT) Health Department Response to Public Health or Healthcare Crises Assistance Listing Number: 93.391 Award Number and Year: NH75OT000034 (6/1/2021 – 5/31/2026) Compliance Requirement: Reporting – Performance Reporting Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance, Material Noncompliance Recommendation: We recommend the Agency review and enhance internal controls and procedures to ensure that performance reports are accurate, agree with supporting documentation, and that supporting documentation is maintained and available for audit. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The Office of Health Equity Integration’s Director and Equity Manager will ensure that all supporting documentation are cross checked with formal submissions in CDC’s REDCap reporting system to verify consistency and accuracy of performance reports. Additionally, the Equity Manager and Program Administrator will confirm all supporting documentation are properly stored in the program’s SharePoint site by the end of each quarterly reporting period. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: January 31, 2025 Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Katherine Richardson, Program Administrator katherine.richardson@vermont.gov Ariel Carter, Equity Manager ariel.carter@vermont.gov Song Nguyen, Equity Director song.nguyen@vermont.gov Megan Hoke, Financial Director III megan.hoke@vermont.gov Peter Moino, AHS Director of Internal Audit peter.moino@vermont.gov

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Finding 537373 (2024-016)

Significant Deficiency 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Questioned Costs Subrecipient Monitoring Reporting § 200.303

Reference Number: 2024-016 Prior Year Finding: 2023-018; 2022-029; 2021-018 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education State Agency: Agency of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund COVID-19 – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) C...

Reference Number: 2024-016 Prior Year Finding: 2023-018; 2022-029; 2021-018 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education State Agency: Agency of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund COVID-19 – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) COVID-19 - Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 – Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (CRRSA EANS) COVID-19 – American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) COVID-19 - American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief –Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Listing Number: 84.425C, 84.425D, 84.425R, 84.425U, 84.425W Award Number and Year: S425C210009 (1/8/2021 – 9/30/2022) S425D210011 (1/5/2021 – 9/30/2022) S425R210033 (2/23/2021 – 9/30/2022) S425U210011 (3/24/2021 – 9/30/2023) S425W210047 (4/23/2021 – 9/30/2023) Compliance Requirement: Reporting – Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Recommendation: We recommend the Agency complete implementation of its corrective action plan from the prior audit. It should review and enhance internal controls and procedures to ensure that all required subawards and subaward amendments are reported timely and accurately to FSRS no later than the end of the month following the month of issuance. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The Agency implemented a reconciliation process in March of 2023 that allows us to ensure our grant ledgers agree with what is entered into FFATA. The Agency will increase the number of reconciliations per year to quarterly. The Agency continues to work toward our preferred solution to address the accuracy and timeliness of our entries into the FFATA system by creating an upload file of the data from our grants management system. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: July 1, 2025 Position Responsible for Implementation of Corrective Action Sean Cousino, Interim CFO sean.couisno@vermont.gov

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Finding 537368 (2024-013)

Significant Deficiency 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Cash Management Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Questioned Costs § 200.303 § 200.343

Reference Number: 2024-013 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation State Agency: Agency of Transportation Federal Program: Federal Transit Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 20.500, 20.507, 20.526 Award Number and Year: VT-04-0021-01 (3/14/2013 – 6/30/2016) Complianc...

Reference Number: 2024-013 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation State Agency: Agency of Transportation Federal Program: Federal Transit Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 20.500, 20.507, 20.526 Award Number and Year: VT-04-0021-01 (3/14/2013 – 6/30/2016) Compliance Requirement: Cash Management, Period of Performance Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Recommendation: We recommend that VTrans review and enhance grant closeout procedures and internal controls to ensure that grants are closed out timely. We further recommend that VTrans review and enhance procedures and internal controls over cash management to ensure that cash draws are performed only against grants for which the period of performance has not expired. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The following factors contributed to the noncompliance: VTrans experienced staff turnover, at which point close out processes were missed in 2016. This resulted in a grant remaining with an open status in the TrAMS system well beyond the period of performance. During the 2024 review by program staff, a drawdown was inadvertently processed for this grant with the expired period of performance. At the time, VTrans lacked a formal, documented grant closeout process for FTA grants in the TrAMS system. Additionally, there was a breakdown in communication between the Accounts Receivable (AR) team and the Public Transit Program team regarding period of performance eligibility prior to processing the draw. VTrans has taken the following steps to strengthen internal controls and prevent recurrence of this issue: 1. Formalized Closeout Procedures: VTrans has implemented a structured grant closeout process for the AOT Public Transit Program that clearly defines responsibilities, timelines, and verification steps to ensure all federal awards are closed timely and in compliance with FTA requirements. This process assigns specific tasks to designated staff members and ensures that no drawdowns occur after the period of performance has ended. 2. Annual Period of Performance Review: VTrans has established and documented an annual review process for FTA grant periods of performance. This review has been formally integrated into the Agency’s Public Transit cash management procedures, ensuring that grant end dates are proactively monitored, and necessary extensions or closeouts are addressed before expiration. 3. Enhanced Communication and Documentation: VTrans has updated the internal Excel file used to facilitate communication between the Public Transit Program team and the AR team. The file now includes a designated column for period of performance, ensuring that all drawdowns are reviewed for eligibility before processing. This is also addressed in an update to the Agency’s Public Transit cash management procedure memo. VTrans will coordinate with FTA to determine the appropriate resolution for these funds. Any necessary repayment or adjustments will be completed in accordance with FTA guidance. At this time, FTA has not requested the funds be returned. Scheduled Completion Date of Correction Action Plan: All corrective actions will be implemented as of March 1, 2025. Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Ross MacDonald, Public Transit Director ross.macdonald@vermont.gov

View Audit 348596 Questioned Costs: $1

Finding 537367 (2024-012)

Significant Deficiency 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Questioned Costs Special Tests & Provisions § 200.303

Reference Number: 2024-012 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation State Agency: Agency of Transportation Federal Program: Highway Planning and Construction Assistance Listing Number: 20.205 Award Number and Year: FFY2023 – FFY2024 Compliance Requirement: Special Tes...

Reference Number: 2024-012 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation State Agency: Agency of Transportation Federal Program: Highway Planning and Construction Assistance Listing Number: 20.205 Award Number and Year: FFY2023 – FFY2024 Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Recommendation: VTrans should review and enhance procedures and internal controls to ensure that it obtains weekly certified payrolls from all contractors. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The Daily Work Reports (DWRs) submitted by the contractor concluded the outstanding punchlist items in June 2023, and in September 2023 a subcontractor submitted a DWR to AOT. The project went through Completion and Acceptance (C&A) in December 2023. The C&A process required confirmation that payrolls were received but did not include a final complete-verification step before project closeout. As a result, missing payroll certifications went unnoticed. Additionally, the Civil Rights team was unaware of the subcontractor’s work report since their review is triggered by certified payroll submissions, not DWRs. VTrans is updating the C&A checklist to require final confirmation that all certified payrolls have been received before project closeout, with coordination from the Civil Rights team if any are missing. This checklist is to be verified by both the Resident Engineer and the Regional Engineer. To further strengthen compliance, VTrans Construction will focus on education, and revise pre-construction meeting templates to emphasize that federal wage reporting requirements apply to all work on a project. Additionally, VTrans Civil Rights will reinforce these requirements in annual contractor training to ensure Prime and Subcontractors fully understand their payroll reporting responsibilities. VTrans will also remain cognizant of projects and DWRs submitted by new subcontractors and actively work to educate contractors at this point to prevent future payroll omissions. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: All corrective actions will be implemented as of April 1, 2025. Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Douglas Bonneau, VTrans Construction Engineer douglas.bonneau@vermont.gov

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Finding 537362 (2024-010)

Significant Deficiency 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Period of Performance Questioned Costs § 200.303 § 200.308 § 200.309 § 200.403

Reference Number: 2024-010 Prior Year Finding: 2023-008; 2022-017 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Labor State Agency: Vermont Department of Labor Federal Program: Unemployment Insurance Assistance Listing Number: 17.225 Award Number and Period: Admin 24A55UI000063 (10/1/2023-12/31/2026), DUA 23A6...

Reference Number: 2024-010 Prior Year Finding: 2023-008; 2022-017 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Labor State Agency: Vermont Department of Labor Federal Program: Unemployment Insurance Assistance Listing Number: 17.225 Award Number and Period: Admin 24A55UI000063 (10/1/2023-12/31/2026), DUA 23A60UD000013 (7/14/2023 - 7/14/2026) Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Recommendation: We recommend the Department review and enhance its procedures and controls to ensure that prior to charging costs to the program, they are incurred within an award’s allowable period of performance. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The Department will review its procedures and internal controls and update as necessary to ensure that expenditures are incurred within the allowable period of performance for respective awards. It should be noted that during the period of performance for which this audit was conducted there were a large number of personnel changes and shifts. The position that was responsible for the majority of these duties retired in January 2024. We proactively hired for her replacement a year before she retired. Over the course of the year our replacement took over more and more duties. In the process of this replacement, we have completed a tremendous amount of evaluation of our assigned duties, processes, workflow, training, and documentation. Not only in this role, but we are also undergoing a division and business unit wide analysis of our internal controls and workflow. It should also be noted that the UI admin funds are considered ‘formula funds’ from the US DOL. We are expected to run this program year-round with no gaps in service or performance. The funding that we receive from US DOL is based on an antiquated formula that breaks down the amount that is budgeted by Congress between 52 state and territories. We generally do not receive enough funding for the entire year. Also, with the recent trend of Congress to utilize the tool of the Continuing Resolution our funding is often ambiguous until most of the program year is over. We have at times seen our funding cut once a budget had been passed by Congress even though there was only about 3 months left in the program year. We are still expected to run this program and ‘find other sources of funding’. This does make the adherence to the period of performance challenging. However, as we evaluate our internal controls and procedures over the coming months, we will make note of every opportunity to strengthen this function to ensure that all charges applied to program funds are relevant, within the period of performance of the award, and are correctly reviewed and signed. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: April 1, 2025 Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Chad Wawrzyniak, Financial Director II chad.wawrzyniak@vermont.gov

View Audit 348596 Questioned Costs: $1

Finding 537361 (2024-009)

Significant Deficiency 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking Questioned Costs § 200.303 § 200.403

Reference Number: 2024-009 Prior Year Finding: 2023-007; 2022-016 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Labor State Agency: Vermont Department of Labor Federal Program: Unemployment Insurance Assistance Listing Number: 17.225 Award Number and Period: DUA 23A60UD000013 (7/14/2023 - 7/14/2026) Compliance...

Reference Number: 2024-009 Prior Year Finding: 2023-007; 2022-016 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Labor State Agency: Vermont Department of Labor Federal Program: Unemployment Insurance Assistance Listing Number: 17.225 Award Number and Period: DUA 23A60UD000013 (7/14/2023 - 7/14/2026) Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Recommendation: We recommend the Department reviews and enhances its procedures and controls regarding payment processing to ensure that, prior to charging costs to the program, they are supported and reviewed by a supervisor who is knowledgeable of the regulations regarding allowable program costs and that documentation of the review is maintained. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The Department will review its procedures and internal controls and update as necessary to ensure that expenditures are adequately reviewed and signed off on. It should be noted that during the period of performance for which this audit was conducted there were a large number of personnel changes and shifts. The position that was responsible for the majority of these duties retired in January 2024. We proactively hired for her replacement a year before she retired. Over the course of the year our replacement took over more and more duties. In the process of this replacement, we have completed a tremendous amount of evaluation of our assigned duties, processes, workflow, training, and documentation. Not only in this role, but we are also undergoing a division and business unit wide analysis of our internal controls and workflow. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: April 1, 2025 Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Chad Wawrzyniak, Financial Director II chad.wawrzyniak@vermont.gov

View Audit 348596 Questioned Costs: $1

Finding 537360 (2024-008)

Material Weakness 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Internal Control / Segregation of Duties Questioned Costs Material Weakness § 200.303

Reference Number: 2024-008 Prior Year Finding: 2023-005; 2022-012; 2020-009 Federal Agency: Department of Labor State Agency: Vermont Department of Labor Federal Program: Unemployment Insurance Assistance Listing Number: 17.225 Award Number and Period: State UC, UCFE, UCX, TRA UI393002355A50 (10/202...

Reference Number: 2024-008 Prior Year Finding: 2023-005; 2022-012; 2020-009 Federal Agency: Department of Labor State Agency: Vermont Department of Labor Federal Program: Unemployment Insurance Assistance Listing Number: 17.225 Award Number and Period: State UC, UCFE, UCX, TRA UI393002355A50 (10/2022-9/30/2023), TRA 24A55UT000024 (10/1/2023-9/30/2024), RESEA UI380102260A50 (1/1/2022-9/30/2024) RESEA 23A60UR000010 (1/1/2023-9/30/2025), Admin UI393532355A50 (10/1/2022-12/31/2025), Admin 24A55UI000063 (10/1/2023-12/31/2026), ARPA Fraud UI370952155A50 (9/1/2021-8/31/2025), ARPA Equity UI370952155A50 (10/1/2022-10/31/2025), CARES UI347462055A50 (4/1/2021-6/30/2025), DUA 23A60UD000013 (7/14/2023 - 7/14/2026) Compliance Requirement: Reporting Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance, Material Noncompliance Recommendation: We recommend that policies and procedures be implemented to ensure that all financial and performance reports are accurate, agree with supporting documentation, and are reviewed by an authorized State official prior to submission. We also recommend that supporting documentation and evidence of supervisory review is maintained and available for audit. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The Department is currently undergoing a division and business unit wide analysis of our internal controls and procedures. As part of that effort, the Department will review internal controls and update as necessary to ensure that all required reports are filed timely and accurately and that reports are reviewed and approved by authorized State officials prior to submission. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: June 30, 2025 Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Chad Wawrzyniak, Financial Director II chad.wawrzyniak@vermont.gov

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Finding 537359 (2024-007)

Significant Deficiency 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Questioned Costs Subrecipient Monitoring § 200.303 § 200.308 § 200.309 § 200.403

Reference Number: 2024-007 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Defense State Agency: Vermont State Military Department Federal Program: National Guard Military Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Projects Assistance Listing Number: 12.401 Award Number and Period: W912LN2421001 (10...

Reference Number: 2024-007 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Defense State Agency: Vermont State Military Department Federal Program: National Guard Military Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Projects Assistance Listing Number: 12.401 Award Number and Period: W912LN2421001 (10/1/2023 – 9/20/2024) Compliance Requirement: Period of Performance Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Recommendation: The Department should review and enhance its procedures and internal controls to ensure that it charges expenditures to the program that are incurred within an award’s allowable period of performance. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The Department agrees with this finding and will implement the following: • Update Accounts Payable Standard Operating Procedures to include instructions for determining the appropriate Federal Fiscal year for coding and paying vendor invoices. • Distribute updated procedures and train staff to ensure understanding of Period of Performance reporting requirements. • Update Vision query to include the Invoice Date field. Current reports used for preparing the SF-270 only include the Vision transaction date, therefore the preparer and reviewer are not able to determine the performance dates of individual transactions based on this report alone and rely on proper coding of the Class field during voucher entry. Adding the Invoice Date to the report will improve the department’s ability to QC the SF-270 for period of performance discrepancies prior to submission for reimbursement. • The Financial Director will perform quarterly audits of this Vision report to identify any improper reporting. Any errors identified will be corrected with a journal voucher and subsequently corrected on the next SF-270. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: April 15, 2025 Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Kim Fedele, Financial Director kimberly.fedele@vermont.gov

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Finding 537342 (2024-026)

Significant Deficiency 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Cash Management Questioned Costs Reporting § 200.303 § 200.514

Reference Number: 2024-026 Prior Year Finding: 2023-023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Health and Human Services State Agency: Department of Finance and Management Federal Program: SNAP Cluster Temporary Assistance for Needy Families CCDF Cluster Assistance Listing...

Reference Number: 2024-026 Prior Year Finding: 2023-023 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Health and Human Services State Agency: Department of Finance and Management Federal Program: SNAP Cluster Temporary Assistance for Needy Families CCDF Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.551, 10.561, 93.558, 93.575, 93.596 Award Number and Year: 4VT400406 (10/1/2022 – 9/30/2023) 4VT402513 (10/1/2023 – 9/30/2024) 2301VTTANF (10/1/2022 – 9/30/2023) 2401VTTANF (10/1/2023 – 9/30/2024) 2301VTCCDD (10/1/2022 – 9/30/2025) 2401VTCCDD (10/1/2023 – 9/30/2026) Compliance Requirement: Cash Management Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Recommendation: We recommend that Finance review and enhance its internal controls and procedures over the CMIA Annual Report to ensure that it verifies the correct interest rate is applied and that State and Federal interest liabilities are properly calculated in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.514. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The current available rate at the time of calculation, review, entry, and moving to draft were all accurate to what U.S. Treasury had available at the time. The rate was updated on December 3rd, after our submissions had already been locked via the draft process in the CMIAS portal done on November, 26th. The process was not fully submitted due to issues with the CMIAS portal not allowing us to submit which has been extensively documented via multiple email chains with U.S. Treasury CMIA over the past two years. Finance and Management will take a screenshot of the CMIA interest rate page dated on the review date of the CMIA Annual Report submissions from departments to ensure that we maintain the historical rate posted to the U.S. Treasury CMIA page at the time of review. Additionally, AHS will take their own screenshots of the CMIA Interest Rate page from U.S. Treasury website on the date of their Annual Report Summary submissions for record and to show that the rate from this time was checked and applied to the current year’s program. If during the review, there is any discrepancy between the review screen of the rates and the calculations screenshot of the rates; the calculation spreadsheets will be kicked back to AHS to be updated. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: November 30, 2025 Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Jordan Black-Deegan, Statewide Grants Administrator jordan.black-deegan@vermont.gov Sarena Boland, Financial Manager III sarena.boland@vermont.gov

View Audit 348596 Questioned Costs: $1

Finding 537340 (2024-005)

Significant Deficiency 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Questioned Costs Special Tests & Provisions Significant Deficiency § 200.303

Reference Number: 2024-005 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture State Agency: Agency of Human Services Federal Program: SNAP Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.551, 10.561 Award Number and Year: 4VT400406 (10/1/2022 – 9/30/2023) 4VT402513 (10/1/2023 – 9/30/2024) C...

Reference Number: 2024-005 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture State Agency: Agency of Human Services Federal Program: SNAP Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.551, 10.561 Award Number and Year: 4VT400406 (10/1/2022 – 9/30/2023) 4VT402513 (10/1/2023 – 9/30/2024) Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions – EBT Card Security Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Recommendation: We recommend that the Agency review and enhance internal controls to ensure that it maintains documentation of the daily/weekly reconciliation of destroyed EBT cards. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: Cards were automatically printing at 1:00 AM which presented many opportunities for errors. The printers can only hold 100 cards in their hoppers and only print on one printer at a time. If there were more than 100 cards to be printed the printer(s) would error out and subsequently drop cards from the print file and/or print duplicates when the errors were corrected once someone was in the office. We have now updated the print jobs to print at 9:00 AM when a trained EBT staff member is there to monitor the printing. Additionally, we have a system in place to rotate printing on the 3 printers monthly to spread the wear and tear evenly. Increases to opened card inventory, decreases in the opened card inventory due to printing, and decreases in the opened card inventory due to shredded cards are included on the daily “Card Count” Excel that is then converted to a PDF for signatures through DocuSign. This daily “Card Count” Excel is updated and verified by EBT personnel to ensure that the remaining opened card inventory is reflective of what was added to the opened card inventory, what was printed, and what was shredded. Printed card counts on this “Card Count” Excel and PDF will be reflective of the daily “EBT Printing Reports” that are auto generated and e-mailed to the EBT staff. When there are excessive shredded cards (more than 5) EBT personnel will create a detailed e-mail to verify the day’s events with IT personnel. Once verified by the IT personnel, the e-mail will be a part of the DocuSign packet for the “Card Count” PDF to explain and backup the events from that particular day. The “Card Count” Excel and PDF is produced by the EBT staff person in the office to physically oversee that day’s printing. EBT staff rotate days that they are in the office; meaning that the EBT Financial Manager and the Financial Director of Operations verify that the rolling count is correct each week on Thursday’s and Wednesday’s (respectively) as they are in the office to process the printed cards. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: EBT personnel have implemented the above e-mail attachment to the “Card Count” PDF solution as of November 2024. Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Katherine Lettieri, Financial Manager III katherine.lettieri@vermont.gov Kristina Roy, Admin Services Coordinator I kristina.roy@vermont.gov Peter Moino, AHS Director of Internal Audit peter.moino@vermont.gov

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Finding 537339 (2024-004)

Material Weakness 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Eligibility Reporting Questioned Costs § 200.303

Reference Number: 2024-004 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture State Agency: Agency of Human Services Federal Program: SNAP Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.551, 10.561 Award Number and Year: 4VT400406 (10/1/2022 – 9/30/2023) 4VT402513 (10/1/2023 – 9/30/2024) C...

Reference Number: 2024-004 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture State Agency: Agency of Human Services Federal Program: SNAP Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.551, 10.561 Award Number and Year: 4VT400406 (10/1/2022 – 9/30/2023) 4VT402513 (10/1/2023 – 9/30/2024) Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions – ADP System for SNAP Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance, Material Noncompliance Recommendation: We recommend that the Agency review and enhance procedures and controls to ensure that eligibility case reviews are performed timely and are properly documented. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: In the past year, the Economic Services Division has been slightly restructured with the creation of six new District Director Positions. This change is a positive one as it provides additional support in the districts and also allows the central office Operations team to focus more on systems and closer collaboration with programs to ensure clear communication and training for field staff. This change has resulted in a further need to clearly define the roles and expectations of the District Director positions compared to the Operations staff. One highlighted area relevant to this corrective action plan is updates to the Supervisory Case Review (SCR) Guide to clearly delineate roles and responsibilities and ensure that SCRs are completed timely and completely. The SCR Guide has been updated accordingly. Further corrective action includes: • Presentation of the SCR audit findings and updated SCR Guide by Operations and the Food and Nutrition team to District Directors and Supervisors. • Creation by the Food and Nutrition team of training for Supervisors and District Directors about the SCR process. This training will be presented at the next District Directors meeting on 3/12/2025 as well as at the ESD Division Leadership meeting on 3/21/2025 to Supervisors. • Requirement for all newly hired District Supervisors or Directors to complete the SCR Training. This training will be mandatory for all staff who are required to complete monthly Supervisory Case Reviews and tracked through the Learning Management System. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: March 21, 2025 Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Jessica Duranleau, ESD Program Manager jessica.duranleau@vermont.gov Peter Moino, AHS Director of Internal Audit peter.moino@vermont.gov

View Audit 348596 Questioned Costs: $1

Finding 537338 (2024-003)

Material Weakness 2024

State of Vermont

VT

Questioned Costs Subrecipient Monitoring Material Weakness § 200.303

Reference Number: 2024-003 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture State Agency: Agency of Agriculture Federal Program: Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Assistance Listing Number: 10.176 Award Number and Year: AM200100XXXXG081 (9/30/2020 – 9/30/2024), 21DBIVT1004 (...

Reference Number: 2024-003 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture State Agency: Agency of Agriculture Federal Program: Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Assistance Listing Number: 10.176 Award Number and Year: AM200100XXXXG081 (9/30/2020 – 9/30/2024), 21DBIVT1004 (10/31/2021 – 10/30/2024), AM22DBIVT1015 (9/30/2022 – 9/29/2025), AM21DBIVT1011 (9/30/2022 – 9/29/2026), 23DBIVT1018 (9/30/2023 – 9/29/2026) Compliance Requirement: Reporting – Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance, Material Noncompliance Recommendation: We recommend the Agency develop procedures and internal controls to ensure that all required subawards and subaward modifications are reported timely to FSRS in accordance with FFATA requirements and that all previously issued subawards are reported. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: The business office will ensure that subrecipient grants containing federal funding that meet the FFATA reporting threshold are marked as “FFATA reportable” upon grant execution in the Agency’s grants and contracts workbook. The Financial Directors will then confirm that all executed agreements that meet the FFATA reporting requirement have been entered and submitted into the appropriate Federal system by the last business day of each month. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: April 30, 2025 Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Amy Mercier, Financial Director amy.mercier@vermont.gov Karen Mae Smith, Financial Director karenmae.smith@vermont.gov

View Audit 348596

Finding 537334 (2024-005)

Significant Deficiency 2024

East Central University

OK

Questioned Costs Student Financial Aid Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Counselors will utilize a Verification check sheet to show their work on verifications and corrections made on FAFSA Processing System (FPS). Counselors will be required to track and verify that the corrections were made appropriately on FPS by verifying those corrections on the updated ISIR. A comm...

Counselors will utilize a Verification check sheet to show their work on verifications and corrections made on FAFSA Processing System (FPS). Counselors will be required to track and verify that the corrections were made appropriately on FPS by verifying those corrections on the updated ISIR. A communication code will be created so that the counselors can track when a correction is made and when the corrected ISIR is received and verified correctly. The Director and Assistant Director can then run lists of all students with the particular communication code to spot-check and review.

View Audit 348594

Finding 537332 (2024-004)

Significant Deficiency 2024

East Central University

OK

Student Financial Aid Questioned Costs Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Changes to COA for a student are documented and reviewed by the Assistant Director or the Director. A report will be created to view disbursement dates in Colleague and COD to find variances in the dates. This report will be processed weekly. The counselor, Assistant Director, or Director will revie...

Changes to COA for a student are documented and reviewed by the Assistant Director or the Director. A report will be created to view disbursement dates in Colleague and COD to find variances in the dates. This report will be processed weekly. The counselor, Assistant Director, or Director will review disbursements in COD to verify that the COA and disbursement date agree with Colleague.

View Audit 348594

Finding 537330 (2024-003)

Significant Deficiency 2024

East Central University

OK

Student Financial Aid Questioned Costs Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

The process to determine students who withdraw during the semester has been updated to include running a withdrawal list through RGER weekly. The list will be given to the Financial Aid Counselors to work on Mondays. Part of the review will be to verify the start and end dates of the term used duri...

The process to determine students who withdraw during the semester has been updated to include running a withdrawal list through RGER weekly. The list will be given to the Financial Aid Counselors to work on Mondays. Part of the review will be to verify the start and end dates of the term used during the process. The Director or Assistant Director will review the lists and R2T4 forms (ROFW) to verify accuracy and timely processing.

View Audit 348594

Finding 537328 (2024-002)

Significant Deficiency 2024

East Central University

OK

Student Financial Aid Questioned Costs Matching / Level of Effort / Earmarking

Loan notification letters/emails to students and/or parents were set up and made operational in July 2024 with the assistance of a consultant. Further updates/changes were made in August 2024.

View Audit 348594

Finding 537319 (2024-001)

None 2024

Strong Hearted Native Womens Coalition, Inc.

CA

Equipment & Real Property Management Questioned Costs Procurement, Suspension & Debarment § 200.313

Management will ensure that a physical inventory of assets is completed on a regular basis. Keely Linton, Executive Director, is the person responsible for the corrective action. The completion date of the corrective action is March 12, 2025.

View Audit 348591

Finding 537308 (2024-001)

Material Weakness 2024

University of La Verne

CA

Special Tests & Provisions Questioned Costs Student Financial Aid

Finding #: 2024-001 – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds Description of Finding: One record from the return to Title IV sampling of 12 students tested, had funds returned beyond the required timeline for an unofficial withdrawal. The record received a non-completed course grade ...

Finding #: 2024-001 – Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds Description of Finding: One record from the return to Title IV sampling of 12 students tested, had funds returned beyond the required timeline for an unofficial withdrawal. The record received a non-completed course grade for the fall 2023 term, but the return of funds based on the unofficial withdrawal was not performed until July 2024. The cause of the delayed return was the irregular non-completed course grade that was applied by faculty. The grade type was not incorporated into control measures for prompt identification. The University of La Verne concurs with this finding. Corrective Action: The reporting criteria used to identify non-completed courses are being modified to include all grade codes that meet the non-completed criteria, regardless of their appropriateness to the enrollment type. This revision is to ensure that any irregular grade reporting would still be captured. Secondly, all staff who perform return to Title IV calculations are expected to complete the Federal Student Aid training modules on return to Title IV funds to reinforce the staff knowledge base. Lastly, with the recent onboarding of a Financial Aid Compliance Manager, additional quality assurance steps are being added to include random sampling and secondary review of return to Title IV records for accuracy and timeliness. The responsible party is Laura Evans at levans2@laverne.edu. This will be completed by December 2024.

View Audit 348574

Finding 537307 (2024-002)

Significant Deficiency 2024

Municipality of Moca

PR

Questioned Costs Subrecipient Monitoring Reporting § 200.328

Finding 2024-002: Compliance requirement: Reporting-Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Reportable Condition: See Condition 2024-002 Recommendation ...

Finding 2024-002: Compliance requirement: Reporting-Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Reportable Condition: See Condition 2024-002 Recommendation The Municipality should maintain the schedule of the due dates or the reuired rports of each federal program to comply with the required submissions to the federal awarding agencies. Also, they had to submi the quaterly report to comply with the requiremnts. Action Taken Due to the shift from annual to quaterly reporting, the Municipality initially missed a quaterly report deadline because of unfamiliarity with the new schedule. however, since then , we have consistently met all the subsequent quaterly deadlines. we will continue to carefully monitor and verifiy all reporting deadlines to guarantee accurate and timely submissions moving foward.

View Audit 348562

Finding 537287 (2024-001)

None 2024

Centro Comprensivo De Cáncer De La Universidad De Puerto Rico

PR

Questioned Costs Reporting Internal Control / Segregation of Duties § 200.512

The Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) has implemented a Corrective Action Plan on November 2023 and has significantly improved the submission of the Single Audit Report FY 2023 and the data collection. The result of the implementation of the corrective action plan for FY 2023 allows the CCC to begin...

The Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) has implemented a Corrective Action Plan on November 2023 and has significantly improved the submission of the Single Audit Report FY 2023 and the data collection. The result of the implementation of the corrective action plan for FY 2023 allows the CCC to begin the financial statement and Single Audit of FY 2024 on time. We establish a procedure to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in the Single Audit is scheduled. Despite efforts to complete the Single Audit FY 2023 on March 31, 2024, CCCUPR Management and auditors agreed that they require two (2) additional months to complete the process. To ensure the timely completeness of the Financial Statement and Single audit of FY 2024 before March 31, 2025 we implement the following aggressive work plan:  Management closing and submission Final Trial Balance to Auditors August 26, 2024.  Completion and Delivery to Auditors PBC items November 30, 2024.  Distribution of Financial Statement and Single Audit Draft for review (management and Auditors) February 4, 2025  Final review of the Draft by the auditors – February 28, 2025.  Final Issuance of Financial Statement, Single Audit, and data collection March 14, 2025.

View Audit 348549

Finding 537286 (2024-001)

None 2024

Independence Communities INC

TX

Questioned Costs Reporting Internal Control / Segregation of Duties

Audit Finding 2024-001: - There was a shortfall in the monthly deposits to the replacement reserve due to the December 2024 deposit not being made in a timely manner. - We have made up the shortfall in February 2025 and in the future, will ensure the monthly deposits are done in a timely manner. - N...

Audit Finding 2024-001: - There was a shortfall in the monthly deposits to the replacement reserve due to the December 2024 deposit not being made in a timely manner. - We have made up the shortfall in February 2025 and in the future, will ensure the monthly deposits are done in a timely manner. - Name and Title of contact person responsible for corrective action: - Steve Colella, -Making a Difference in Property Management, LLC - Management Agent - 6800 Park Ten Blvd, Ste 184-W - San Antonio, TX 78213

View Audit 348542 Questioned Costs: $1

Finding 537285 (2024-001)

None 2024

Montgomery Supported Housiing INC

TX

Questioned Costs HUD Housing Programs Reporting

Audit Finding 2024-001: Bookkeeping fees for the year ended December 31, 2024 were overpaid by $30. Additionally, there was still $30 due to the Project for overpaid management fees from the prior year. - Management will repay the $60 by deducting $30 from the management fee and $30 from the bookk...

Audit Finding 2024-001: Bookkeeping fees for the year ended December 31, 2024 were overpaid by $30. Additionally, there was still $30 due to the Project for overpaid management fees from the prior year. - Management will repay the $60 by deducting $30 from the management fee and $30 from the bookkeeping fee for March. - Name and Title of contact person responsible for corrective action: -Steve Colella, - Making a Difference in Property Management, LLC - Management Agent - 6800 Park Ten Blvd, Ste 184-W - San Antonio, TX 78213

View Audit 348541 Questioned Costs: $1

Finding 537279 (2024-001)

None 2024

Chautauqua Opportunities, INC

NY

Questioned Costs Reporting Cash Management

The Agency agrees with this finding and will implement the following: Make all necessary accounting adjustments to reflect the changes in the indirect cost charged for FY2023 & FY2024; Notify all affected funding agencies of the need to adjust the indirect cost charged, thus correcting any overcharg...

The Agency agrees with this finding and will implement the following: Make all necessary accounting adjustments to reflect the changes in the indirect cost charged for FY2023 & FY2024; Notify all affected funding agencies of the need to adjust the indirect cost charged, thus correcting any overcharges made through the remittance of funding and/or budget amendments; Update the indirect cost allocation worksheet with the correct provisional rate as per the current Nonprofit Rate Agreement from the Department of Health and Human Services.

View Audit 348514 Questioned Costs: $1

Finding 537276 (2024-002)

Material Weakness 2024

Putnam County District School Board

FL

Questioned Costs Subrecipient Monitoring

PLANNED CORRECTIVE ACTION - Although we disagree with the finding, moving forward, and in accordance with your recommendation, the Putnam County School District will review procedures that ensure compliance and make any necessary changes where needed. The district believes that the board and state...

PLANNED CORRECTIVE ACTION - Although we disagree with the finding, moving forward, and in accordance with your recommendation, the Putnam County School District will review procedures that ensure compliance and make any necessary changes where needed. The district believes that the board and state approved additional compensation followed the budget narrative including all amendments, specifically amendments #8 and #11 in our federal project (#540-1211A-2C001). All payments were done via an internal procedure through MOUs that are signed between the Putnam Federation of Teachers/United (PFT/United) and the School Board. The MOUs were signed on September 27, 2023, November 29, 2023, February 26, 2024, and April 3, 2024 with payments being disbursed within 30 days after each. In fiscal year 2023-24, there were four iterations of payments made which reflected budget narratives from the original award letter, amendment 8 and amendment 11. The payments were processed using an internal procedure that ensures an agreement between the District and the PFT/United. These signed agreements align with the expectations of the Code of Federal Regulations in Title 2, Section 200.430(f) where employee compensation must be according to an agreement entered into before the services were rendered or according to an established plan followed by the subrecipient so consistently as to imply, in effect, an agreement to make such payment. In regards to doubling the amounts established in the plan, the PCSD believes amendment #8 and the accompanying email chain with the amendment provided for two additional iterations of the compensation and thus put us within the correct number of compensation payments to PCSD employees throughout the life of the project. ANTICIPATED COMPLETION DATE - None RESPONSIBLE CONTACT PERSON - Jonathan L. Odom, MBA, Chief Finance Officer; Laura France, Assistant Superintendent - Curriculum and Instruction; Ashley McCool, Executive Director of Federal Programs

View Audit 348511 Questioned Costs: $1

Corrective Action Plans

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