Finding Number: 2025-016 ALN Number(s) and Program Title(s): 21.029 – Coronavirus Capital Project Funds Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: ASBO acknowledges the auditor’s observation regarding the sequencing of the technical close-out letter and subsequent expenditures for...
Finding Number: 2025-016 ALN Number(s) and Program Title(s): 21.029 – Coronavirus Capital Project Funds Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: ASBO acknowledges the auditor’s observation regarding the sequencing of the technical close-out letter and subsequent expenditures for one project. ASBO respectfully clarifies that a Technical Close-Out Letter reflects that the primary network infrastructure has been constructed and service capability established. It does not necessarily signify final project completion for all eligible cost components under the grant agreement. Project completion for reporting purposes occurs upon final reporting to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. In October 2025, the subrecipient requested approval to perform additional network equipment upgrades using remaining grant funds. ASBO obtained written confirmation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury Senior Federal Program Officer that the identified OLT upgrade constituted an eligible network component necessary to deliver service and was not maintenance. No additional grant funds were awarded for this work; the proposal involved remaining grant balances. It should be noted that as of the date of audit review, no expenses had been incurred related to the proposed upgrade. As such, ASBO does not concur that the identified $2,096,990 represents ongoing maintenance costs or unallowable expenditures. In fact, all reimbursements to date include eligible network build-out costs incurred prior to “technical closeout” but financially processed after that date, or fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) drops. FTTH drops have been an allowable expense in the Arkansas CPF Program following technical closeout yet prior to reporting the project complete to U.S. Treasury. The misclassification of these costs as maintenance appears to stem from an assumption that they were related to the proposed network upgrade, when in actuality, they were not. To avoid ambiguity in future projects, ASBO will formalize procedures clarifying the distinction between technical close-out, formal project completion, and eligible use of remaining funds. Any Treasury-approved scope clarifications or post-close-out adjustments will be formally documented prior to reimbursement to ensure alignment between technical certification and financial reporting. Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2026 Contact Person: Name: Glen Howie Title: State Broadband Director Agency: Arkansas State Broadband Office Address: 1 Commerce Way City, State, Zip: Little Rock, AR 72202 Phone Number: 501-683-6000 Email Address: broadband@arkansas.gov