Corrective Action Plans

Finding 2024-003: Healthy Start Procurement Compliance and Control Deficiency Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services Program Title: Healthy Start Initiative Award Name: Healthy Start Initiative‐Eliminating Racial/Ethnic Disparities Award Number: H4927805 Assistance Listing Title: Healthy Start Initiative Assistance Listing Number: 93.926 Award Year: April 1, 2023 – August 31, 2024 Passthrough Entity: None Management agrees with the finding and recommendation and will reinforce and provide education regarding the procurement policies and procedures to ensure proper controls over procurement. Formal documentation will be maintained to demonstrate competitive bidding or single source justification completed for vendors used on grant-funded projects, including appropriate approvals prior to entering into transactions. Furthermore, management will collaborate with the procurement team to determine what revisions are necessary to our current grant accounting policy related to competitive bidding or single source justification in order to be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance requirements. Management will remediate this finding by June 30, 2025.

Finding 2024-002 Procurement ALN: 93.855 Finding: The College did not have effective internal controls and procedures in place to ensure the College maintained records for procurements sufficient to detail the history of procurement, including the rationale for the method of procurement and other required elements. Corrective Action Plan: BCM management agrees that a sole source documentation form was not completed for this procurement. We do believe that this would have been easily justified as a sole source procurement as this vendor had unique capabilities required by the grant. The master service agreement for this procurement was effective September 1, 2019, and the related PO for this scope of work was issued on June 15, 2023. Since this time period, BCM has implemented a new procure to pay system with improved internal controls and approval routings. With this new system, we believe we have already put in place the appropriate corrective actions necessary to prevent this from happening going forward. Person Responsible: Rob Falivene, Vice President, Supply Chain Services, Baylor College of Medicine Expected Completion: March 2025

CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN March 17, 2025 Health Resources and Services Administration 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857 The Gavin Foundation, Inc. respectively submits the following corrective action plan for the year ended June 30, 2024. CohnReznick LLP 350 Granite Street, Suite 1200 Braintree, MA 02184 Audit Period: June 30, 2024 The finding from the June 30, 2024 schedule of findings and questioned costs is discussed below. The finding is numbered consistently with the number assigned in the schedule. FINDING - FEDERAL AWARD PROGRAM AUDIT U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2024-001 Congressional Directives - Assistance Listing No. 93.493 SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY Recommendation Management should establish procedures to ensure contract files include the history of procurements and the documentation is maintained. Action Taken The organization performed procurement procedures, including soliciting bids/proposals from multiple contractors, evaluating them and selecting the contractor based on their procurement procedures. However, as the project was completed we maintained the contracts related to the contractor selected but inadvertently disposed of the documentation related to the procurement process. We have met with employees responsible for completion and filing of the procurement documentation and discussed the importance of not only completing the documentation, but also the importance of its proper filing. We have updated our procedures to ensure procurement history is adequately documented and maintained in the contract files. These actions were implemented (or are anticipated to be implemented) effective March 17, 2025. If the Health Resources and Services Administration has questions regarding this plan, please call Peter Barbuto at (857) 496-7341. Sincerely yours, Peter Barbuto, CEO The Gavin Foundation, Inc.

The Service Center will be sure to follow the federal procurement requirements pursuant to Policy 6325 and verify that appropriate controls and compliance with federal requirements are maintained with documentation supporting the procurement types.

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.

CONDITION: The School District contracted with MHY Family Services for professional services. The contract exceeded the threshold for competitive procurement. The District was unable to provide documentation to verify that the third-party procurement contract was competitively procured, such as a bid evaluation and public solicitation. In addition, the District did not conduct a cost or price analysis for this procurement, which was in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. CRITERIA: Section 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance specifies that the School District 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, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. In addition, Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance requires the performance of a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District review and update as necessary its procurement policies to ensure retention of the appropriate procurement documentation, in all instances, so as to comply with all applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance, specifically, Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. In addition, I recommend that the School District conduct a cost or price analysis for all procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000 before receiving bids or proposals in accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance. MANAGEMENT’S PLANNED CORRECTIVE ACTION: The School District will conduct a cost or price analysis for all contracts over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000 before receiving bids and proposals. The timeframe for implementation of this procedure is effective immediately.

CONDITION: During the PDE monitoring review of the ARP ESSER grant program, it was noted that the School District did not document in writing its rationale for the noncompetitive procurement of services provided by J. Martin & Associates. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records include but are not limited to the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Furthermore, Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance details five (5) circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that for all future purchases involving noncompetitive procurement, the School District adhere to Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance regarding the proper documentation required for noncompetitive procurement, as well as the District’s Procurement Policy for Federal Programs (#626.5). MANAGEMENT’S PLANNED CORRECTIVE ACTION: The School District’s will maintain procurement records, including why the noncompetitive procurement contract was necessary with appropriate documentation vetted by the District Solicitor. Additionally, the District will conduct an analysis to support that the price paid was reasonable. This analysis is needed to justify procurements that are not competitively bid. The timeframe for implementation is effective immediately.

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.

DCHS has reviewed its procedures and will ensure that awards are reported timely and accurately to FSRS and that documenation of compliance will be available for review.

Finding 2024-001 Written Procurement Polley- This finding impacts the procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirement for the major program, Assistance Listing Number 10.555 National School Lunch Program (Child Nutrition Cluster) funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Nurtury should revise its procurement policy to comply with Uniform Guidance requirements and implement policies and procedures to search for suspended or debarred vendors on Sam.gov. Fiscal Year 2025. Procurement policy is in accordance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Management and the finance committee of the board will ensure that revised procurement policies are in accordance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Tubi Olatubosun, V.P. of Finance

FINDING 2024-002 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Supply Chain Assistance Program, Summer Food Service Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the Child Nutrition Program and Procurement compliance requirements. Context: Procurement The School Corporation participates in Unified Purchasing Cooperative of the Ohio River Valley (the “Cooperative”), which procures vendors for food purchases and other supplies on behalf of its members. During the audit period, the School Corporation also purchased food and supplies from vendors not procured by the Cooperative. One vendor with aggregate annual purchases of $38,261 for fiscal year 2024 exceeded the small purchase threshold ($10,000 - $150,000). The School Corporation could not provide documentation showing the bids received from other vendors that were used to compare pricing. Suspension and Debarment For the small purchase vendor noted above that was not procured by the Cooperative and had aggregate annual disbursements exceeding the federal suspension and debarment threshold of $25,000, the School Corporation did not provide documentation confirming that the vendor was not suspended or debarred before disbursing federal funds during fiscal year 2024. Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Management will implement a procurement checklist that is reviewed after the purchasing process has been completed to ensure compliance with purchasing requirements for federal awards. Sam.gov will be checked for each vendor with aggregate purchases above $25,000. Responsible Party and Timeline for Completion: Ginny Shannon, FSD and Gretchen Berger, Corp Treasurer - 6-1-2025

CONDITION: The Beaver County Career and Technical Center contracted with a third-party vendor – Huckstein Mechanical for the purchase of technology equipment. The contracts were procured through a cooperative purchasing group. The Center 1) was unable to provide documentation from the cooperative purchasing group to verify that the technology procurement contracts were competitively procured, such as a bid evaluation and public solicitation and 2) did not obtain the adequate number of price or rate quotations. CRITERIA: As specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the Center 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, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. In addition, small purchase procedures per 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) for acquisitions between the micro-purchase threshold (currently $10,000) and the simplified acquisition threshold (current $250,000), price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate. Per 24 PS 8.807.1, there should be three quotes that are either written or well documented.MANAGEMENT’S CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: Management will review and update as necessary, it’s current procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance, in specific, Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance, as well as 24 PS 8.807.1. In specific, these procedures will include 1) obtaining all relevant information pertaining to procurements involving federal assistance from any cooperative purchasing group and 2) obtaining quotations from three qualified providers where applicable and documenting those results. These two (2) updated procedures will be implemented during the remaining months of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and all subsequent years, for future purchases where applicable.

FINDING 2024-003 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure contracted vendors were not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs. The School Corporation could not provide evidence of verification for Resolve Tech during the engagement period. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Teresa Whitesel Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 765-358-4006 twhitesel@wes-del.org Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: The Corporation Treasurer was not aware of this requirement. This will be completed by the next audit period of FY2025 FY2026

FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster – Internal Controls over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the Child Nutrition Program and Procurement compliance requirements. Context: Procurement The School Corporation participates in K12’s Leading Indiana Cooperative (KLIC), which procures vendors for food purchases and other supplies on behalf of its members. During the audit period, the School Corporation also purchased food and supplies from vendors not procured by the Cooperative. One vendor with aggregate annual purchases of $62,545 and $49,614 for fiscal year 2023 and 2024, respectively, exceeded the small purchase threshold ($10,000 - $150,000). For the 2023 fiscal year, the School Corporation could not provide documentation showing the bids received from other vendors that were used to compare pricing. As it pertains to the 2024 fiscal year, the School Corporation could not provide any documentation surrounding the procurement of the small purchase vendor. Suspension and Debarment For the small purchase vendor noted above that was not procured by the Cooperative and had aggregate annual disbursements exceeding the federal suspension and debarment threshold of $25,000, the School Corporation did not provide documentation confirming that the vendor was not suspended or debarred before disbursing federal funds during fiscal year 2024. Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Management will implement a procurement checklist that is reviewed management to ensure compliance with the School’s purchasing policy for federal awards. Responsible Party and Timeline for Completion: Jessica Defossett, Annually in June or as new vendor is needed.

Finding 2024-004 US Department of Treasury Federal Financial Assistance Listing 21.027 All Awards State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Finding Summary: Both of these two deficiencies will be dealt with through an updated procurement policy as well as a check list to ensure contracts comply with all federal guidelines. In addition, all processes needed to ensure compliance will be updated or created as needed. This recommendation has been partially implemented. The procurement policy has been updated and the processes are currently under review to be completed prior to 7/31/2025.

Finding 2024-003 US Department of Treasury Federal Financial Assistance Listing 21.027 All Awards State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Finding Summary: Both of these two deficiencies will be dealt with through an updated procurement policy as well as a check list to ensure contracts comply with all federal guidelines. In addition, all processes needed to ensure compliance will be updated or created as needed. This recommendation has been partially implemented. The procurement policy has been updated and the processes are currently under review to be completed prior to 7/31/2025.

Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement Procurement Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the Child Nutrition Program and Procurement compliance requirement. The School Corporation utilizes two vendors for the majority of food and supplies purchases for the food service program. One vendor is procured through a purchasing cooperative, Southwest Indiana Co-op, where the School Corporation is a member. The other vendor met the simplified acquisition threshold for fiscal year 2023 and the small purchase threshold for fiscal year 2024. The School Corporation was unable to provide any supporting documentation for the procurement process undertaken as required by the School Corporation's procurement policy. Management stated the items purchased were chosen based on a comparison of prices with two other vendors, however, management had no documented support for the rationale or process to determine which vendor would be selected for food and supplies purchases. The sample item amount disbursed was $151,511 for food purchases in FY23 and $129,583 for food purchases in FY24. The School Corporation did properly confirm the vendor was not debarred or suspended. Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The treasurer will provide the food service director with quarterly vendor reports so the spending thresholds can be monitored. In the event it is known that expenditures will exceed the threshold, the food service director will work to provide rationale for the vendor choice and/or procure items using the bid/RFP process. Responsible Party for Corrective Action: Tamara L. Asdell, Treasurer Timeline for Completion: Immediately

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

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 2024-001 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Recommendation: We recommend that PLA review its procurement policy to ensure that a suspension and debarment formal check and documentation be included to ensure that all federal requirements are included in its written policies. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: PLA has established procedures to include a suspension and debarment formal check and documentation within our amended Procurement Policy, amended January 30, 2025. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Jeffrey Larkins, Director of Finance & Accounting; Martha Arellano, Procurement Manager and Buyer. Planned completion date for corrective action plan: January 30, 2025.

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

Management Response: The Mifflinburg Area School District agrees with the finding. The SFA has updated Policy #626 Procurement - Federal Programs. The SFA has removed the RFP reference from the informal procurement method. The SFA reviewed the bidding requirements and will adhere to the policy. This policy was approved by the School Board in May 2024. The SFA has updated future produce solicitations to include the following: Pricing will be a cost-plus fixed fee structure. All prices bid for all products will be net, Free on Board (F.O.B.). SFA will consider individual product price changes both as part of a renewal to the awarded contract and during the contract year. Product price changes may not exceed the U.S. Department of Labor-Bureau of Labor statistics Northeast region not seasonally adjusted consumer price index percentage change annual average for the previous 12 months. Vendors must submit both the supplier charge and the fixed fee, which much be listed separately. Additionally, the SFA implemented a formal requisition process in the Food Service department, in which pricing would be entered into the requisition and verified against the bid or other respective documents, then submitted for approval. The SFA employees responsible were trained in this procedure. Individual Responsible: Superintendent, Business Manager, Food Service Director Anticipated Completion Date: May 31, 2024