Corrective Action Plans

Finding 2024-003 – Material Weakness Award No.: AL No. 15.555 and AL No. 15.074 Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. AL No. 15.074 Passed-through the Del Puerto Water District. Compliance Requirement: Procurement, Suspension and Debarment. Condition: The following conditions were noted during the single audit: • The District was not able to provide evidence that procurements for the Mendota Pool Fish Screen and Control Structure Project and Poso Canal Bridge Replacement Project design contractors under AL 15.555 met the requirements for adequate price competition and was unable to provide documentation confirming the sole-source solicitations met the requirements of Uniform Guidance. Specifically the District was unable to provide evidence it received enough statements of qualification to have adequate price competition or complied with one or more provisions of Section 200.210(c) that allows a sole source agreement to occur. It would appear the District would need evidence that the grantor approved the sole source procurement, but was not able to provide documentation of approvals of sole source procurements by the grantors. The District also was unable to provide documentation of the advertisement of the solicitation of requests for qualifications for the Fish Screen and Control Structure Project. • The District was not able to provide adequate documentation that the Mendota Pool Fish Screen and Control Structure Project contract under AL 15.555 and Orestimba Creek Recharge and Recovery Expansion Project contract under AL 15.074 complied with Section 200.327 and appendix II to this part requiring federal contract provisions to be included in the approved contract. This resulted in the District not having evidence that the contractor certified it was in compliance with all required federal provisions. Criteria: Uniform Guidance states the following: • Section 200.318(i) states that “The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractors selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.” • Section 300.320(c) states “There are specific circumstances in which the recipient or subrecipient may use a noncompetitive procurement method. The noncompetitive procurement method may only be used if one of the following circumstances applies: (1) The aggregate amount of the procurement transaction does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold (see paragraph (a)(1) of this section); (2) The procurement transaction can only be fulfilled by a single source; (3) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from providing public notice of a competitive solicitation; (4) The recipient or subrecipient requests in writing to use a noncompetitive procurement method, and the Federal agency or pass-through entity provides written approval; or (5) After soliciting several sources, competition is determined inadequate. • The provisions of the Brooks Act (49 United State Code, Section 1104) require local agencies to award federally funded engineering and design related contracts, otherwise know as A&E contracts, on the basis of fair and open competitive negotiations, demonstrated competence, and professional qualifications (23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 172) at a fair and reasonable price (48 CFR 31.201-3). Both federal regulation and California state law (Government Code 4525-4529 et a) require selection of A&E consultant services on the basis of demonstrated competence and professional qualifications. Procurement by noncompetitive proposals may be used only when the award of a contract is infeasible under small purchase procedures, sealed bids or competitive proposals, as cited above. • Section 200.327 states “The non-federal entity’s contracts must contain the applicable provisions described in appendix II to this part.” Appendix II contains requirements to include in federally funded contracts termination for cause and convenience provisions, Equal Employment Opportunity provisions, Davis-Bacon Act provisions, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act provisions, Clean Air Act provisions, debarment and suspension provisions, Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment provisions, and other provisions, as applicable. Cause: The current staff was not able to find procurement documentation prepared before they were hired. Effect: The District was unable to provide evidence that it was in compliance with the requirement to maintain documentation indicating the procurement was in compliance with Uniform Guidance Sections 200.318 to 200.327 and appendix II to this part. Context: The original procurement for the consulting firm for the Mendota Pool Fish Screens and Control Structure project was performed in September 2018 and awarded in late October 2018. This procurement precedes the current staff. Staff indicated the grantor approved the Mendota Pool Fish Screen and Control Structure Project sole source procurement and the Board Resolution approving the agreement indicated the grantor approved the sole source procurement, but staff was not able to provide proof of written approval by the grantor. Recommendation: We recommend management implement additional controls over the procurement process that ensures each procurement complies with Uniform Guidance Section 200.318 to 200.326, including training of staff working on procurements of the documentation retention and other requirements under the Uniform Guidance. We further recommend the District establish a procurement folder on its server with subfolder for each individual procurement where documentation of each procurement is maintained, including advertising of the procurement, requests for proposals/qualifications with language that satisfies Uniform Guidance requirements, proposals received, executed contracts, certifications of compliance with federal contracting provisions by the contractor if not part of the proposal or executed contracts, documented quantitative and qualitative analysis indicating why the recommended bid was selected for approval, management report to board recommending which bid should be approved, board resolution approving the winning bid and for contracts under $250,000 a memo or form documenting bids received and reason for selecting the bid, including reasons for not selecting the lowest bid if applicable. If a sole source procurement method is used, documentation showing the sole source procurement is allowable under criteria listed in Section 300.320(c) should be retained. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management will keep procurement folders on each procurement in the future that includes the confirmation in the recommendation and will consult with Reclamation on whether a contract amendment is necessary to document the federal contract. Estimated Completion Date of Corrective Action: Future procurement projects

2024-007 – Preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) (Significant Deficiency) Department of Education, SFA Cluster, Special Tests and Provisions Criteria: According to 2 CFR 200.210(b), a recipient of Federal awards is required to prepare a SEFA for the period covered by the entity’s financial statement which must include the total Federal awards expended. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires non-Federal entities to, among other things, establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over Federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal awards. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure expenditures are properly reported on the SEFA. In addition to providing an accurate SEFA, an organization must also be able to demonstrate that it has a system of internal control that supports the preparation of the SEFA. Condition: The University did not have an adequate process in place to prepare and review its SEFA. Cause: The University’s internal control process for preparing the SEFA did not include review and approval of the SEFA prior to providing it to the auditor. Effect: Failure to accurately report federal expenditures on the SEFA could result in noncompliance with federal regulations. Repeat Finding from a Prior Year: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the University establish, document, and maintain effective internal controls over the preparation of the SEFA. At a minimum, an organization should be able to show documentation that the SEFA was reviewed and approved by an individual who was not directly involved with the initial preparation of the SEFA. The review process should include checking both the reported expenditures of federal awards and the assistance listing numbers reported for each grant program. Management Response: The University acknowledges the identified deficiency in the internal control process related to the preparation and review of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA). In response, the University has implemented a formalized and documented process to ensure the SEFA is accurately prepared, thoroughly reviewed, and approved in compliance with 2 CFR 200.210(b) and 2 CFR 200.303. The corrective actions taken include: 1) Independent Review and Approval: The SEFA is now subject to a formal review and approval process by an individual who is independent of the initial preparation. This review involves verifying the accuracy of vreported expenditures, confirming the proper listing of assistance numbers (CFDA numbers), and ensuring that all program titles match the federal award documentation. 2) Internal Control Documentation: The University has documented its SEFA preparation and review procedures as part of its internal control framework. This documentation includes roles, responsibilities, timelines, and sign-off requirements to provide an audit trail for compliance verification. 3) Staff Training and Cross-Departmental Coordination: Staff involved in grants accounting and financial reporting will receive targeted training on SEFA requirements. Additionally, coordination among the Financial Aid Office and Finance Office has been strengthened to ensure the complete and accurate sharing of data related to federal award expenditures. Responsible Party and contact information: Joshua Henry – Executive Director of Financial Aid, henryjs@webber.edu, Jennifer Mueller – Assistant Vice President of Finance, muellerjj@webber.edu. Expected Date of Correction: 8/1/2025

THE ORGANIZATION WILL USE EXPENDITURE REPORTS BY CLASS TO SUPPORT BASE EXPENDITURES FOR THE PERIOD. WILL BE IN PLACE FOR THE 2025 SINGLE AUDIT AND BEGAN THIS PROCESS IN 2024. KAREN SHARPNACK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KJS@IDAHOIMMUNE.ORG AND NEW CPA FIRM TO BE DETERMINED. THE ORGANIZATION THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL CREATE A “FINANCIAL POLICY COMMITTEE” WHICH WILL BE RESPONSIBLE TO WORK WITH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE NEW CPA TO OUTLINE AND CREATE NEW POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PROCESSES, ALONG WITH OVERSIGHT OF THE FINANCIAL WELL-BEING OF THE ORGANIZATION AND REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. IMMEDIATELY, THE PROCESS WILL BEGIN TO RECRUIT THE COMMITTEE ON JUNE 25, 2025.

2024-001 – Preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) (Significant Deficiency) Criteria: According to 2 CFR 200.210(b), a recipient of Federal awards is required to prepare a SEFA for the period covered by the entity’s financial statement which must include the total Federal awards expended. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires non-Federal entities to, among other things, establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over Federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal awards. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure expenditures are properly reported on the SEFA. In addition to providing an accurate SEFA, an organization must also be able to demonstrate that it has a system of internal control that supports the preparation of the SEFA. Condition: The University did not have an adequate process in place to prepare and review its SEFA. Cause: The University’s internal control process for preparing the SEFA did not include review and approval of the SEFA prior to providing it to the auditor. Effect: Failure to accurately report federal expenditures on the SEFA could result in noncompliance with federal regulations. Recommendation: We recommend the University establish, document, and maintain effective internal controls over the preparation of the SEFA. At a minimum, an organization should be able to show documentation that the SEFA was reviewed and approved by an individual who was not directly involved with the initial preparation of the SEFA. The review process should include checking both the reported expenditures of federal awards and the assistance listing numbers reported for each grant program. Action Taken: Management has put in place the following procedures: We will establish, document and maintain effective internal control over Federal awards by performing reconciliation of federal funds at the end of each trimester. The account reconciled will be listed on the SEFA. The Director of Financial Aid will be responsible for preparing the SEFA. It will be reviewed and re-reconciled by the Business Systems Analyst and the FA Asst. Director. Reports used to reconcile come from our Sonis system and are the Award Summary Detail and the Charges and Credits reports. Responsible Party and contact information: Valerie Souza, FA Business Systems Analyst and Lynda Swanson, Asst. Director of Financial Aid. Expected Date of Correction: At the end of each trimester. Full completion of processes will be at the end of our fiscal year/calendar year when audit preparation begins.

THE ORGANIZATION WILL USE EXPENDITURE REPORTS BY CLASS TO SUPPORT BASE EXPENDITURES FOR THE PERIOD. WILL BE IN PLACE FOR THE 2025 SINGLE AUDIT AND BEGAN THIS PROCESS IN 2024. KAREN SHARPNACK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KJS@IDAHOIMMUNE.ORG AND NEW CPA FIRM TO BE DETERMINED. THE ORGANIZATION THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL CREATE A “FINANCIAL POLICY COMMITTEE” WHICH WILL BE RESPONSIBLE TO WORK WITH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE NEW CPA TO OUTLINE AND CREATE NEW POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PROCESSES, ALONG WITH OVERSIGHT OF THE FINANCIAL WELL-BEING OF THE ORGANIZATION AND REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. IMMEDIATELY, THE PROCESS WILL BEGIN TO RECRUIT THE COMMITTEE ON JUNE 25, 2025.

As of January 2, 2024 CAL, hired a staff account (Melanie Richards) to ensure all expenses are recorded in compliance with performance periods. The Associate Director of Finance will review all postings monthly and consult with the Vice President of Finance on any corrections or recommendations.

THE ORGANIZATION WILL USE EXPENDITURE REPORTS BY CLASS TO SUPPORT BASE EXPENDITURES FOR THE PERIOD. WILL BE IN PLACE FOR THE 2025 SINGLE AUDIT AND BEGAN THIS PROCESS IN 2024. KAREN SHARPNACK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KJS@IDAHOIMMUNE.ORG AND NEW CPA FIRM TO BE DETERMINED. THE ORGANIZATION THROUGH ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL CREATE A “FINANCIAL POLICY COMMITTEE” WHICH WILL BE RESPONSIBLE TO WORK WITH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE NEW CPA TO OUTLINE AND CREATE NEW POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PROCESSES, ALONG WITH OVERSIGHT OF THE FINANCIAL WELL-BEING OF THE ORGANIZATION AND REPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. IMMEDIATELY, THE PROCESS WILL BEGIN TO RECRUIT THE COMMITTEE ON JUNE 25, 2025.

FINDING 2022-010 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Casey Brewster Contact Phone Number: 812-752-8935 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Instead of utilizing journal entries for corrections or adjustments in generic form, corrections to large or for multiple disbursements or receipts should be completed by reversing the action within the financial software and then correctly processing the disbursements or receipts. The on-going training and the related corrective actions which ensure more frequent and more in-depth reviews of reports on a monthly basis will also reduce the need for corrections in general. However, in the event there must be journal entries for corrections, documentation supporting and related to any journal entry will be input into the financial management software, as will any related notes, and any journal entry will have documented approval contained in that software, all completed by separate people ? the Treasurer and CFO. Additional, related training will also be sought to ensure related processes and controls are understood and followed. Anticipated Completion Date: June 2023

Through the assistance of the Oklahoma State Auditors and Inspectors Office, we have received appropriate instruction on how they wish the appearance of the SEF A to be. We believe this issue to be resolved and will be reported as instructed from this point forward.