Corrective Action Plans

Beginning in FY2025, the Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Procurement Services (OPS) began reviewing new contracts in the new contracting system, Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) System for compliance with State Procurement Rules and Regulations. In addition, OPS will extend the review to include all contract requests (new, amendments, extensions, and renewals). During the additional review, OPS will inform the program of any requests that are not in compliance with the Procurement Rules and Regulations before the contract is fully executed. OPS also reviewed prior contractual amendments, extensions, and renewals within the CLM System at the requisition level for compliance with the State Procurement Rules and Regulations. If an infraction was found, the program was notified and informed of the State Procurement Rules and Regulations.

Condition: The Organization did not have documented procurement procedures that were consistent with the standards identified in 2 CFR 200.318(a). Recommendation: Management should draft a formal procurement policy outlining the Organization’s procedures in a manner consistent with the standards identified in 2 CFR 200.318(a). Planned Corrective Actions: The Organization agrees with the finding and plans to carry out the recommendation noted above by May 31, 2025.

Failure to Follow Procurement Policy Finding 2023-003 Auditor Description of Condition and Effect: The Authority did not comply with the current procurement policy as procedures were not fully followed and forms required by the Authority’s procurement policy were not completed for the heating ventilation and cooling project, new roof, and electric vehicle charging stations. The following forms required by either 2 CFR 200 and/or the Authority’s own procurement policy were not completed for the current year capital asset purchases: Written Record of Procurement Checklist Form, Method of Procurement Decision Matrix, Advertisement and Solicitation Form, Bid Quotations, Fewer Than 3 Offers Received Evaluation if applicable, Proposal Tabulation, Certification of Compliance with Federal Clauses for the assets less than $25,000, and Responsibility Determination (sam.gov debarred verification). As a result, the Authority is noncompliant with 2 CFR 200 and its own procurement policy. Auditor Recommendation: We direct the Authority review and update its procurement policy and implement procedures to ensure that the Authority is complying with the federal requirements, required forms are being completed, and documentation is being maintained. Corrective Action Plan: The Authority acknowledges the finding and is currently working to correct this. Responsible Official: Contact person is Todd Shurn, Executive Director,275 East Wall Street, P.O. Box 837, Benton Harbor, Michigan 49023. Telephone (269) 927-2268. Due Date: September 30, 2025

A procurement policy will be prepared with reference to the appropriate Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and standards. All staff charged with initiating and approving purchases under federal grant programs will use the documented policy. Individual responsible Debbie Pinnock, Yolanda Adams Completion Date Plan to be implemented as soon as possible.

Corrective Action Plan We are in the process of updating the Organization’s written policies and procedures to include the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Completion Date Fiscal year end 2025

Management’s Response: North Nelson Water District has made every effort to comply with purchasing requirements. In addition to these efforts, North Nelson Water District will be adopting a formal procurement policy.

Identifying Number: SA 2024-002 Description of Finding: During the audit, MARTA was unable to provide purchase order documentation or contract for eight samples that are above $500. Per current procurement policy, "Purchases of supplies, services, and equipment costing more than five hundred ($500) shall be made by purchase order, unless authorized by a signed contract or Mountain Transit Board Approval". During the audit, MARTA was unable to provide supporting documentation to demonstrate that the required price or rate quotations for those purchases or contracts with contract amounts above $10,000 were obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources and maintained the documentation to support its conclusion. These were noted for two samples tested. The expenditure paid ranged from $10,000 to $36,000 in 2024. During the audit, MARTA was unable to provide supporting documentation to demonstrate that the process of verifying if vendors are not suspended or debarred were performed on two vendors tested. The expenditure paid to these vendors ranged from $109,000 to $647,000 in 2024. Corrective Actions Taken or Planned: We are in the process of updating our Procurement Policy. We will ensure that we follow these updated policies and procedures to address compliance and documentation requirements for small and micro-purchases, sole-source, and informal processes. The updated Procurement Policy will be brought to our October 2025 Board of Directors meeting for Board review or approval. Personnel responsible for implementation: Sean Gillingham, Finance Manager Anticipated completion date: October 2025

Federal Award Finding: 2024-002 Material Weakness in Compliance and Internal Control over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Name and Contact Person: Adrienne Gaines, Executive Director Corrective Action: WISH has evaluated the processes and procedures regarding procurement and suspension and debarment, as well as the processes for maintaining records supporting all procurement activity. Management will appoint an individual to oversee this. Proposed Completion Date: June 30, 2025

FINDING 2024-004 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Kelli Keith Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 812-438-2655, kkeith@risingsun.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: We had never been instructed to do price quotes for items purchased from the HPS Purchasing Co-Op before. In the future, we will obtain price quotes when purchasing from HPS when purchases are above the micro-purchasing threshold. Or we will find a different purchasing avenue and will not use HPS. The cafeteria director is currently discussing this with each of the cafeteria supervisors to decide which avenue they will use to avoid the finding in the future. Going forward, for any vendor expected to equal or exceed $25,000 that is paid from school lunch funds (or any federal funds for that matter), someone at the school corporation will verify those vendors aren’t suspended or debarred. Anticipated Completion Date: 08/01/2025: The next school year.

FINDING 2024-012 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-027-PN01, 22611-027-ARP, 22619-027- ARP, 23611-027-PN01, 23619-027-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Beth Husband/Alexandria Eckert Contact Phone Number 260-356-8312 Email Address: bhusband@hccsc.k12.in.us/aeckert@hccsc.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: All future expenditures triggering procurement and suspension and debarment requirements will include implementing the following procurement policies: Reference Procurement Standards 2 CFR 200.318 Districts may not enter into contracts with entities that have been suspended or debarred from participating in contracts with federal funds. For contracts over $25,000, districts must verify a contractor is not excluded or disqualified. Contractors must be verified in one of three ways: 1. Checking the System for Award Management (SAM) (www.SAM.gov) 2. Collecting a certificate from that contractor. 3. Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that contractor. (Recommended) **Proper verification and documentation must be sent to the LEA for audit purposes. Methods of Procurement Where specific EDGAR/UG thresholds apply, Districts must meet baseline requirements for procurement. If State or local rules have more restrictive thresholds, the most restrictive rule must be followed. Anticipated Completion Date: All expenditures initiated after March 26, 2025

FINDING 2024-005 Finding Subject: SPECIAL EDUCATION CLUSTER (IDEA) – PROCUREMENT AND SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT Summary of Finding: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States; Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027; 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-042-ARP; 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement(s): Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Dawn Mason, Business Manager, DeKalb Co. Eastern CSD Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 260-868-2125; Andrew McDaniel, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, West Noble School Corporation, 260-894-3191, mcdaniela@westnoble.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the findings. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The expenditures referenced in the finding were expended from the American Rescue Plan Special Education grant funds which were fully expended during the audit period. All future expenditures triggering procurement and suspension and debarment requirements will include implementing the following procurement policies. Reference Procurement Standards 2 CFR 200.318 Districts may not enter into contracts with entities that have been suspended or debarred from participating in contracts with federal funds. For contracts over $25,000, districts must verify a contractor is not excluded or disqualified. Contractors must be verified in one of three ways: 1. Checking the System for Award Management (SAM) (www.SAM.gov) 2. Collecting a certificate from that contractor. 3. Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that contractor. (Recommended) **Proper verification and documentation must be sent to the LEA for audit purposes. Methods of Procurement Where specific EDGAR/UG thresholds apply, Districts must meet baseline requirements for procurement. If State or local rules have more restrictive thresholds, the most restrictive rule must be followed. Informal Procurement Procedures 1. Micro-purchase (0-$50,000) Dekalb County Eastern CSD has self-certified micro-purchases for up to $50,000 Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotes if the district considers the price to be reasonable. Quotes must be attached to the invoice/checks for proper documentation and retained by the LEA. 2. Small Purchase ($50,000 – $150,000) Three quotes are required prior to purchase unless the purchase comes from a “Sole Source” vendor. Small purchases are required to be ordered under a purchase order unless in an emergency. Additional quotes must be presented along with the purchase order prior to being approved by the LEA. Formal Procurement Procedures 1. Sealed Bids (above $150,000) Bids must be solicited from an adequate number of suppliers, providing them with sufficient response time prior to the opening of the bids. Proper advertisement and procedures must be followed per IC 5-22 and corresponding documentation must be presented to the LEA prior to any final approval or purchases being made. 2. Competitive Proposals (above $150,000) The Request for Proposal method is used for procurements in which factors other than cost play a significant role. Per IC 5-22-9, when a purchasing agent makes a written determination that the use of competitive sealed bidding is either not practicable or not advantageous to the governmental body, the purchasing agent may award a contract using this procedure instead of competitive sealed bidding. This provides a formal process for the procurement of goods and/or services for which price is not the sole factor in the selection of a vendor or vendors. Proper advertisement and procedures must be followed per IC 5-22 and corresponding documentation must be presented to the LEA prior to any final approval or purchases being made. Noncompetitive (Sole Source) All sole source procurements require adequate written justification and must be attached to the corresponding purchase order or payment. Anticipated Completion Date: All expenditures initiated after March 12, 2025

Finding 2024-003 Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action Plan: Brenda Layne, Food Service Director Contact Phone Number: 765-289-7323 We concur with the finding. Corrective Action plan: As of 3/1/25. Cindy will look the company up on Sam.gov. and the Food Service Director will look it over and both of us will initial and keep a copy on file. Anticipated Completion Date: March 2025

FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-042-ARP, 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF STEUBEN COUNTY SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement and the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for the simplified acquisition threshold and for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Procurement When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold. Therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. When the purchase value exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but is less than the simplified acquisition threshold, a small purchase occurs. Small purchases require documented full and open competition or a documented rationale for limited competition. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor, with disbursements, totaling $379,313, which exceeded the SAT threshold of $150,000. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements in the amount of $55,374, which were less than the SAT threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and was selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2023-2024, three vendors with disbursements, totaling $175,125, were identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes for two of the three vendors and there was no documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts, for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF STEUBEN COUNTY SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative disclosed there were not any documented internal controls or procedures. Nine covered transactions were identified. The covered transactions, totaling $803,836, were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not verify the suspension and debarment status of the tested vendors prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) 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. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases– (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF STEUBEN COUNTY SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) Formal Procurement Methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted that the ARP portion of the Special Education grant was new for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The ARP funding gave opportunity for types of expenditures that do not typically get expensed using special education funding. The transactions noted within the Condition and Context were from the ARP portion of the grant, which provided property or services that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold. Management of the Cooperative was unaware of the procurement requirements when property or services exceed the micro-purchase threshold. In addition, management of the Cooperative was unaware of the suspension and debarment requirements when a covered transaction is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Unverified vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 could be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF STEUBEN COUNTY SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the reduction of future federal funding to the Cooperative. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Cooperative's management design and implement a system of internal controls related to procurement and suspension and debarment procedures to ensure procurement requirements are met and to ensure entities are neither suspended nor debarred or otherwise excluded or disqualified prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.

Contact Person Mark Bell Director of Finance vcc.m.bell@ontrackroguevalley.org Explanation and Specific Reasons for Disagreement With the Audit Finding or That Corrective Action is not Required (if Applicable) No disagreement. Corrective Action Planned 1. Develop and Implement a Formal Procurement Policy o A written procurement policy will be developed that aligns with 2 CFR 200.317 - 200.327, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. 2. Enhance Internal Controls for Procurement Compliance o All procurement transactions will be reviewed and approved by designated personnel to verify compliance before finalizing agreements. o A procurement checklist will be used for each transaction to ensure that required documentation is maintained. 3. Mandatory Suspension and Debarment Verification o The Organization will implement procedures to verify all vendors against the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) database before entering into contracts. o Documentation of suspension and debarment searches will be retained in the procurement files. Anticipated Completion Date September 30, 2025

Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): H027A220084, H027A230084 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. Context: The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for one out of four vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. Documentation of vendor contract, bids or the School Corporation's process and rationale for the chosen vendor was not available for audit. Further, the School Corporation could not provide evidence that a suspension and debarment check had been performed on the vendor prior to entering into contract. Corrective Action Plan: The Special Education Director will obtain pricing quotes from the appropriate amount of qualified sources, when cumulative costs are projected to exceed the micro purchase threshold. The Special Education Director will document and communicate the results of this process with the Business Manager and Superintendent. Person responsible for implementation and projected implementation date: The Special Education Director, the Business Manager, and the Superintendent will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the corrective action plan, which will go into effect immediately.

2024-006 Contact Person: Duane Poitra, Business Manager Corrective Action Plan: To ensure compliance with applicable federal purchasing regulations, purchasing agents will be trained by business office staff on the micro-purchase threshold requirements in 2 CFR Part 200. Internal controls will be established for purchases over $10,000, competitive bidding, such as sealed bids, quotes, or competitive proposals, will be acquired by purchasing agents as required by the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). The designated purchasing agent will follow these rules, and all federal funding purchases exceeding $10,000 will require approval from the Superintendent and Business Manager to ensure compliance. Anticipated Completion Date: Fiscal Year 2024-2025

March 26, 2025 CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN FISCAL YEAR OF FINDING: June 30, 2024 AUDITOR FINDING: 2024-001 AREA: Procurement and Suspension & Debarment Compliance It was noted that (1) the Organization's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327; and (2) in accordance with 2 CFR Part 180, contracts cannot be entered with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in federal awards. It is recommended for the Organization to comply with the Organization’s internal procurement policies and the Uniform Guidance with respect to obtaining vendor quotes and retain support for a check of suspension and debarment. CLIENT PLANNED ACTION: 1. WellPower will review and align its procurement policy with Uniform Guidance compliance requirements for procurement, suspension & debarment. 2. WellPower will provide the necessary training on Uniform Guidance procurement compliance requirements to its procurement department and other authorized purchasers within the organization 3. WellPower will update its suspension & debarment check procedures and record keeping thereof, to ensure that SAM.gov checks of vendors are obtained prior to contract / purchase order issuance / purchase, and at a minimum annually. All records will be maintained with Procurement. CLIENT RESPONSIBLE PARTIES: Angela Oakley, VP & Chief Financial Officer Wes Williams, VP & Chief Information Officer COMPLETION DATE: May 31, 2025

2024-004 Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the recommendation and has implemented measures to improve procurement recordkeeping and compliance. A structured procurement folders and subfolders system has been established to maintain all relevant documentation. Management is actively working with consultants to update policies and procedures. Staff is scheduled to complete a structured three-session training through GFOA to enhance their understanding of federal procurement regulations and best practices. The District will continue training and development efforts in public procurement, with a particular focus on federal compliance, strengthening internal controls, improving documentation, and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements Responsible Party: Director of Finance & Administration and Department Managers Implementation Date: Ongoing; full implementation expected by June 30, 2025

x. Management Response and Corrective Action Plan: The first of the two identified vendors – Maxim/Amergis - is an employment agency with a specialty in staffing providers who work in the healthcare and social services field. NBCC was seeking to hire an RN. Significant documentable effort was invested in hiring an RN with the necessary experience to fill our vacant RN Healthcare Navigator position. After months of being unable to find an appropriate candidate, NBCC sought consultation from the Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health who advised us of the name of the employment agency (Maxim/Amergis) that is used by the Department of Public Health and Department of Behavioral Wellness to staff their RN positions. We reached out to Maxim/Amergis, provided them with the job listing, and reviewed resumes and interviewed candidates until we found an appropriate match. This was a prolonged and involved process where we spent a significant amount of time working to hire the best suited RN for working in the field with the homeless and formerly homeless individuals we serve. We did not perceive this to be a traditional procurement effort and therefore did not create a written analysis of our efforts to identify and hire an RN, nor did we conduct a SAM search on the company given that the company routinely staffs our departments of behavioral and public health. The second identified vendor is Paychex. We believe our efforts to secure a new payroll solution company were very much aligned with Uniform Guidance rules. Our external accounting firm and multiple staff spent more than one year interviewing multiple potential payroll solution providers, including but not limited to, Paychex, ADP, ClickUp, Inova, Credible, and Replicon, among others. We only reviewed two written cost proposals because only two of the researched and consulted companies were able to provide a solution that could potentially meet our government timesheet needs. We conducted multiple meetings with our external accounting firm and internal staff discussing and analyzing the solution options, but a summary of these discussions was not created. In addition, Paychex is a provider to a number of nonprofits we consulted, including a local grantee who was using their service, and who we were advised had developed a system similar to what we needed for our time and activity reporting requirements. We therefore presumed Paychex was not a debarred contractor given that other nonprofits we spoke to who have the same funding were utilizing their services. Moving forward, we recognize we must write a written analysis of our processes and that we should not assume a vendor has not been debarred given their existing customers and will be sure to confirm a company’s standing on SAM. As a further example of our commitment to always remaining current with procurement standards, at the direction of the Executive Director, our Operations Director had previously enrolled in a two-day Procurement Boot Camp training which occurred this week. Our Operations Director will revisit our procurement process as a result of this finding and after attending the procurement training and will make revisions to our procurement process as necessary to ensure future compliance with Uniform Guidance. Any updates will be made to the NBCC Internal Controls Manual and any new processes will be adhered to subsequent to those revisions. xi. Contact Person (s) Responsible for Corrective Action: Kristine Schwarz, Executive Director, kschwarz@sbnbcc.org Brenda Lang, Operations Director, blang@sbnbcc.org Michael Dzierski, Finance Director, mdzierski@sbnbcc.org xii. Anticipated Completion Date: The anticipated completion date is May 31, 2025.

FINDING 2024-001 Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States; COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027; 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-042-ARP; 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement(s): Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Dawn Mason, Business Manager, DeKalb Co. Eastern CSD Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 260-868-2125; dmason@dkeschools.com Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the findings. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The expenditures referenced in the finding were expended from the American Rescue Plan Special Education grant funds which were fully expended during the audit period. All future expenditures triggering procurement and suspension and debarment requirements will include implementing the following procurement policies. Reference Procurement Standards 2 CFR 200.318 Districts may not enter into contracts with entities that have been suspended or debarred from participating in contracts with federal funds. For contracts over $25,000, districts must verify a contractor is not excluded or disqualified. Contractors must be verified in one of three ways: 1. Checking the System for Award Management (SAM) (www.SAM.gov) 2. Collecting a certificate from that contractor. 3. Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that contractor. (Recommended) **Proper verification and documentation must be sent to the LEA for audit purposes. Methods of Procurement Where specific EDGAR/UG thresholds apply, Districts must meet baseline requirements for procurement. If State or local rules have more restrictive thresholds, the most restrictive rule must be followed. E INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 25 Informal Procurement Procedures 1. Micro-purchase (0-$50,000) Dekalb County Eastern CSD has self-certified micro-purchases for up to $50,000 Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotes if the district considers the price to be reasonable. Quotes must be attached to the invoice/checks for proper documentation and retained by the LEA. 2. Small Purchase ($50,000 – $150,000) Three quotes are required prior to purchase unless the purchase comes from a “Sole Source” vendor. Small purchases are required to be ordered under a purchase order unless in an emergency. Additional quotes must be presented along with the purchase order prior to being approved by the LEA. Formal Procurement Procedures 1. Sealed Bids (above $150,000) Bids must be solicited from an adequate number of suppliers, providing them with sufficient response time prior to the opening of the bids. Proper advertisement and procedures must be followed per IC 5-22 and corresponding documentation must be presented to the LEA prior to any final approval or purchases being made. 2. Competitive Proposals (above $150,000) The Request for Proposal method is used for procurements in which factors other than cost play a significant role. Per IC 5-22-9, when a purchasing agent makes a written determination that the use of competitive sealed bidding is either not practicable or not advantageous to the governmental body, the purchasing agent may award a contract using this procedure instead of competitive sealed bidding. This provides a formal process for the procurement of goods and/or services for which price is not the sole factor in the selection of a vendor or vendors. Proper advertisement and procedures must be followed per IC 5-22 and corresponding documentation must be presented to the LEA prior to any final approval or purchases being made. Noncompetitive (Sole Source) All sole source procurements require adequate written justification and must be attached to the corresponding purchase order or payment. Anticipated Completion Date: All expenditures initiated after March 12, 2025

FINDING 2024-003 Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Bethany Cmar Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 765-641-2126 (Bcmar@acsc.net) Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: When it comes to procurements thresholds, ACS will prepare a policy to follow the necessary federal guidelines. For small purchases, three quotes or bids will be obtained to ensure compliance with the procurement guidelines. For all vendors expected to exceed over $25,000 in expenditures will be kept in a binder by the Special Ed Director to ensure that they are not suspended or debarred from federal awards. The CFO will then review and approve the documentation supporting this via signature. Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2025

Management concurs. The City will reinforce its procurement policies through regular training and clear communication to all relevant staff members. Specifically, the importance of documenting the appropriate procurement procedures took place and obtaining all required signatures on contracts will be emphasized. Additionally, a periodic review process to ensure compliance with this policy will be implemented to help prevent future occurrences. The City will also take steps to review past contacts for similar issues and take corrective action when necessary.

2024-001Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Relief Funds – Assistance Listing No. 21.027 Recommendation: We recommend that management develop and implement written procurement policies and implement controls and procedures to ensure it maintains documentation of suspension and debarments checks and that the documentation is available for the audit. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to the finding: The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation implemented a Federal Grant Procurement Policy on March 18, 2025. The purpose of this Procurement Policy is to ensure all procurement activities conducted with funds from federal grants are executed in compliance with federal regulations, promote transparency, fairness, and competitiveness and provide the best value for the resources available. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Lisa Grunder, Vice President of Administration Planned completion date for corrective action plan: March 24, 2025.

FINDING 2024-007 (Section III-Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs) Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Dawn Mason, Business Manager, DeKalb Co. Eastern CSD Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 260-868-2125; dmason@dkeschools.com Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the findings. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The expenditures referenced in the finding were expended from the American Rescue Plan Special Education grant funds which were fully expended during the audit period. All future expenditures triggering procurement and suspension and debarment requirements will include implementing the following procurement policies. Reference Procurement Standards 2 CFR 200.318 Districts may not enter into contracts with entities that have been suspended or debarred from participating in contracts with federal funds. For contracts over $25,000, districts must verify a contractor is not excluded or disqualified. Contractors must be verified in one of three ways: 1. Checking the System for Award Management (SAM) (www.SAM.gov) 2. Collecting a certificate from that contractor. 3. Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that contractor. (Recommended) **Proper verification and documentation must be sent to the LEA for audit purposes. Methods of Procurement Where specific EDGAR/UG thresholds apply, Districts must meet baseline requirements for procurement. If State or local rules have more restrictive thresholds, the most restrictive rule must be followed. Informal Procurement Procedures 1. Micro-purchase (0-$50,000) Dekalb County Eastern CSD has self-certified micro-purchases for up to $50,000 Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotes if the district considers the price to be reasonable. Quotes must be attached to the invoice/checks for proper documentation and retained by the LEA. 2. Small Purchase ($50,000 – $150,000) Three quotes are required prior to purchase unless the purchase comes from a “Sole Source” vendor. Small purchases are required to be ordered under a purchase order unless in an emergency. Additional quotes must be presented along with the purchase order prior to being approved by the LEA. Per Uniform Guidance: 2 CFR § 200.511(a) – “The auditee is responsible for follow-up and corrective action on all audit findings. . .The auditee must also prepare a corrective action plan for current year audit findings. . . The corrective action plan and summary schedule of prior audit findings must include findings relating to the financial statements which are required to be reported in accordance with GAGAS. ” 2 CFR § 200.511(c) – “At the completion of the audit, the auditee must prepare, in a document separate from the auditor's findings described in § 200.516, a corrective action plan to address each audit finding included in the current year auditor's reports. The corrective action plan must provide the name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action, the corrective action planned, and the anticipated completion date. If the auditee does not agree with the audit findings or believes corrective action is not required, then the corrective action plan must include an explanation and specific reasons.” Formal Procurement Procedures 1. Sealed Bids (above $150,000) Bids must be solicited from an adequate number of suppliers, providing them with sufficient response time prior to the opening of the bids. Proper advertisement and procedures must be followed per IC 5-22 and corresponding documentation must be presented to the LEA prior to any final approval or purchases being made. 2. Competitive Proposals (above $150,000) The Request for Proposal method is used for procurements in which factors other than cost play a significant role. Per IC 5-22-9, when a purchasing agent makes a written determination that the use of competitive sealed bidding is either not practicable or not advantageous to the governmental body, the purchasing agent may award a contract using this procedure instead of competitive sealed bidding. This provides a formal process for the procurement of goods and/or services for which price is not the sole factor in the selection of a vendor or vendors. Proper advertisement and procedures must be followed per IC 5-22 and corresponding documentation must be presented to the LEA prior to any final approval or purchases being made. Noncompetitive (Sole Source) All sole source procurements require adequate written justification and must be attached to the corresponding purchase order or payment. Anticipated Completion Date: All expenditures initiated after March 12, 2025

FINDING 2024-003 Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Marcia Fullenkamp, Treasurer Contact Phone Number and Email Address: (812) 623-2212; mfullenkamp@rodspecialed.org Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The ROD Special Education Cooperative will make notes in the Board Minutes regarding the fact that only one vendor can provide specific services prior to entering into a contract or purchasing said services. Each company providing services will be checked on the SAM.gov website to ensure that the vendor has not been suspended or debarred. Anticipated Completion Date: February 1, 2024