Corrective Action Plans

Management at the Central Maine Growth Council is aware of its responsibility under 2 CFR 200.516(a) as it relates to the requirements to perform control activities related to suspension and debarment. • All recipients of expenditures under federal grants will be compared to the Office of Inspector General’s Exclusion Database to help ensure they are permitted to receive federal funding. This verification process will be documented and retained. • A written formal procurement policy and conflict of interest policy will be established. Responsible party: Garvan Donegan, Director of Economic Development and Strategic Projects (207) 680-7300 Anticipated completion date: December 31, 2024.

October 17, 2024 Cognizant or Oversight Agency for Audit: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Worcester Cuftural Academy Charter Public School respectfully submits the following corrective action plan for the year ended June 30, 2024 Name and address of independent public accounting firm: AAFCPAs, Inc. 50 Washington Street Westborough, MA, 01581 Audit period: July 1, 2023 through June 30,2024. The findings from the October 17, 2024 schedule of findings and questioned costs are discussed below. The findings are numbered consistently with the numbers assigned in the schedule. FINDINGS - FINANCIAL STATEMENT AUDIT FINDINGS SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY 2024-001 Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement System (MERS) Enrollment. Recommendation: Management should ensue that proper controls are in place and operating effectively to ensure that that all MTRS eligible employees are fully enrolled within thirty days of their start date. We recommend management add enrollment of MTRS for eligible employees to its onboarding checklist. Action Token: We concur with the recommendation, and it was implemented effective September 1, 2024. 2024-002 Massachusetts Teachers’ Retirement Board (MTRB) Remittances Recommendation: Management should ensure that proper controls are in place and operating effectively to ensure all MTRS payroll withholdings are remitted timely. We recommend management add MTRB remittances to its monthly closing checklist. Action Token: We concur with the recommendation, and it was implemented effective September 1, 2024. 2024-003 Written Procurement Policy Recommendation: Management revise their poiicy to comply with current standards under the Uniform Guidance. Action Token: We concur with the recommendation, and it will be implemented effective January 1, 2025. If the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has questions regarding this plan, please call Erika Browning, 508-347-0252. Sincerely yours, Signature: Title: Tina Krasnecky, VP of Finance

Finding 2024-003 – Child Nutrition Cluster – Procurement Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Marsha Bohannon, Controller Contact Phone Number: (317) 867-8000 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: We will contact our educational service center and see if they are able to either do an RFI or RFP for food service equipment maintenance or we will otherwise request three quotes for small purchases. We are currently under a contract with SmartCare for food service equipment maintenance until the end of this current school year. Anticipated Completion Date: July 1, 2025

The Purchasing department will develop and maintain written procurement procedures requiring that “small purchases” of equipment or services made under a Federal award or sub-award above the micro purchase threshold require multiple quotes and that these quotes are properly documented as evidence. “Small purchases” are those where the total dollar amount is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Purchasing department staff will be trained on this procedure and the District will adopt a board policy to address this procedure. The contact person is Philippa Townsend and the anticipated completion date is 11-1-2025.

As of November 1, 2024, the District will have implemented a process to determine the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities prior to disbursing funds.

The District will review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that procurement procedures are being followed and perform a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to ensure they are eligible to participate in Federal assistance programs.

Management’s Response and Planned Corrective Actions: 1. The name of the contact person(s) responsible for the corrective action a. Kathleen Broadhurst, Sr. Director of Finance/ShelterCare 2. The corrective action planned: a. Internal control document and procedure that is consistent with the compliance requirement for: i. CFR §200.318, General procurement standards identify all requirements which the offerors must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals i. §200.319, Competition requirements will be met with documented procurement actions using strategic sourcing, shared services, and other similar procurement arrangements ii. §200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed. 3. The anticipated completion date: a. New processes will be implemented by 11/1/2024.

Reference Number: 2023-007 Finding: Improve Controls and Compliance with Procurement Name of Contact Person: Christine Chamberland Corrective Active Plan: The City will develop and implement standardized procurement procedures specifically for federally funded purchases, ensuring that all transactions are fully documented in accordance with applicable procurement policies. Staff will be trained on these procedures, and a central repository will be established to maintain executed contracts and all supporting documentation. Regular audits will be conducted to verify compliance and that all required records are retained and readily accessible. Proposed Completion Date: 6/30/26

In response to noted deficiencies in procurement, suspension, and debarment documentation, the Organization has developed a comprehensive Grant Cycle Standard Operating Procedure aligned with the OMB Uniform Guidance to ensure compliance going forward. This procedure reinforces the existing Procurement policy, which ensures staff receive targeted training on relevant requirements, and incorporates additional review measures, including during the onboarding process for new hires. Furthermore, the Grants Director must review all invoices and ensure procurement support is provided prior to approval. The Organization also implemented a new management platform to manage purchase orders, maintain sourcing documentation, and verify contractors are not suspended or debarred, thereby ensuring full compliance with federal requirements and promoting transparency in contractor eligibility and competitive bidding. In addition, prior to contract execution or payment, staff are required to perform and document a SAM.gov suspension and debarment verification for all vendors exceeding the micro-purchase threshold. Documentation of the veri􀀁ication is maintained in the procurement 􀀁ile and must be present prior to invoice approval. Payments cannot be processed without this documentation.

The department will adopt written policies with the Uniform Guidance for Federally Funded Grant Programs accepted by the department.

Audit Finding: 2023-003 – Procurement Documentation Planned Corrective Action(s): SIG-NAL will strengthen its procurement controls by fully implementing the updated Procurement Policy and Standard Operating Procedure adopted in 2025. Standardized procurement documentation templates will be developed, including checklists for method of procurement, contractor selection, cost/price analysis, and justification, and will be used for all purchasing actions. The organization will require that all procurement records are completed and retained in accordance with 2 CFR §§ 200.318–320. Anticipated Completion Date ● April 2026 Responsible Party ● Director of Operations, with support from the Finance Team and Executive Director

FA 2023-001 Improve/Strengthen Controls over Expenditures Compliance Requirements: Internal Control Impact: Compliance Impact Federal Awarding Agency: Pass-Through Entity: Assistance Listing Number and Title: Federal Award Number: Questioned Costs: Repeat of Prior Year Finding: Activities Allowed or Unallowed Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Period of Performance Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Material Weakness Material Noncompliance U.S. Department of Education Georgia Department of Education 84.371C - Comprehensive Literacy Development S371C190016-19A (Years: 2017-21) $124,399.84 FA 2022-002 Description: A review of expenditures and journal entries charged to the Comprehensive Literacy Development program revealed that the School District's internal control procedures were not operating to ensure that appropriate reviews and approvals occurred and the School District's procurement procedures were followed. Corrective Action Plans: The School District will review established internal controls and procedures with pertinent staff to ensure all are being followed. Expenditures related to the grant will be reviewed by the Director in charge of the grant to ensure proper approvals are maintained and packing slips are submitted with the invoice for payment. In the event a packing slip is not received, a note will be included to indicate such. All journal entries related to the grant will be submitted by the Finance Director to the Director in charge of the grant for approval. The School District will review established internal controls and procedures with pertinent staff to ensure all are being followed. Procurement transactions related to the grant will be reviewed by the Director in charge of the grant to ensure proper supervisor review and approvals are maintained. The Director in charge of the grant will review and update the current procedures to ensure that the required procurement methods are properly identified and followed and that required procurement documentation is properly identified, safeguarded, and retained. Estimated Completion Date: June 30, 2026 Contact Person: Dr. Angela Williams, Superintendent Telephone: 706-554-5101 Email: amwilliams@burke.k12.ga.us

Corrective Actions Planned To address the deficiency in internal controls over compliance with respect to procurement, CHC will implement the following corrective actions: CHC will develop and implement a written procurement policy that conforms to the Uniform Guidance.; CHC will ensure sta􀀁 receive adequate training on the procurement policy and the required methods of procurement to be made when making procurements with federal awards. Responsible Person(s): CHC President, Rob Dibble as Primary; CHC Vice President Betsy Gordon as Backup Corrective Action Plan Dates: Schedule implementation starts: February 1, 2026; Staff training starts: March 1, 2026; Review process in effect starts: April 1, 2026

Finding Reference: 2023-003 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Description: During our discussions with management and testing of the major program, we noted that the Town is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs. Recommendation: We recommend that the Town review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. Corrective Action: Moving forward, the Town of Guilderland will ensure that vendors are not included on the suspended or debarred list to ensure compliance with the requirements noted above. Person(s) Responsible for Corrective Action: Darci Efaw, Comptroller & Jessica Gulliksen, Fiscal Officer Anticipated Completion Date for Corrective Action: The practice noted above was implemented during September of 2024.

We acknowledge that the purchase of gift cards was not an allowable expense under federal grant guidelines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff were tasked with responding to urgent and overwhelming public health demands, particularly as the New Mexico Department of Health became overextended. To recognize staff who went above and beyond to ensure timely case reporting and investigations for tribal communities, gift cards were used as a form of appreciation. Moving forward, we will ensure full compliance with federal grant requirements. Specifically: 1. We will adhere strictly to the cost principles and allowability guidance outlined in federal regulations and the terms of each Notice of Award. 2. In instances where the allowability of an expense is unclear, we will proactively seek guidance and written approval from our Federal Grant Management Officer before incurring the cost. 3. We will provide refresher training to program and fiscal staff on allowable costs under federal awards to prevent recurrence of similar findings. These corrective actions will ensure future expenditures are fully compliant with federal guidelines and that staff recognition practices remain appropriate, allowable, and consistent with award terms. • Immediate (Already in Effect): Ceased use of gift cards and other unallowable incentives. • Within 30 Days: Finance and program leadership will review current grant guidance and distribute a written summary of allowable/unallowable costs to all program managers. • Within 60 Days: Refresher training on federal cost principles (2 CFR 200) and Notice of Award guidance will be provided to all program and fiscal staff. • Ongoing: When ambiguity exists regarding allowable costs, staff will consult with the Federal Grant Management Officer prior to obligating or expending funds. Designation of Employee Position Responsible for Meeting Deadline Program Managers/Directors, Finance Officer, and Accounting Manager.

Management acknowledges this finding, which occurred during a period of rapid program expansion when procurement infrastructure had not yet been fully developed. Since the audit period, we have completely overhauled our procurement process to ensure full compliance with the Federal procurement standards. We have implemented a formal procurement policy, created a dedicated Procurement sub-department within Finance, hired a Procurement Supervisor and support team, and launched a new procurement software platform to ensure proper solicitation, documentation, approval routing, and record retention for all Federally funded programs. These upgrades establish consistent competitive bidding, justification procedures, conflict-of-interest safeguards, and transparent procurement. In addition, we have strengthened oversight, provided staff training on Federal procurement standards, and embedded monitoring practices to ensure ongoing compliance. Management is confident these substantial structural improvements have significantly reduced the risk of noncompliance and positioned the organization for full alignment with federal procurement standards going forward.

Management will review Uniform Guidance 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327 to ensure the Organization’s procurement policy fully incorporates all federal compliance requirements. Management will develop and implement a formal, written procurement policy.

The City will develop written policies and procedures for procurement, including the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.327 Contract provisions.

The City will develop written policies and procedures which include the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.327 Contract provisions.

The City will develop written standards of conduct that satisfy the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.318(c)(1).

Finding 2023-003: Test no 15 is for Department of Education and the rest are for Department of Health. • For test no. 15, obligation 361854 – Of 3 quotations obtained for a small purchase transaction, the highest quotation was selected, there was no documented justification to support the procurement selection. • For test no. 16, obligation 372216 – The procurement was sourced from one vendor and lacks additional quotations. There was no documented justification to support the sole-source procurement. • For test no. 17, obligation 372215 – The procurement was sourced from one vendor and lacks additional quotations. There was no documented justification to support the sole-source procurement. • For test no. 22, obligation 334914 – The procurement file included 2 quotations and a justification form that did not relate to the transaction as it cites an explanation for purchasing goods from other vendors unrelated to the actual transaction. Of the 2 vendors included, there did not appear to be a notable difference in goods/services offered, however the higher of the 2 was selected. Consequently, we could not determine the ultimate basis for vendor selection. • For test no. 30, obligation 358537 – The procurement as sourced from one vendor and lacks additional quotations. There was no documented justification for the sole-source procurement. Root Cause Analysis Ineffective documentation filing and retention controls, further impacted by the relocation of the State Treasury office. Corrective Actions • Strengthen procurement documentation controls and ensure rationales and justifications for vendor selection are retained in procurement files. Responsible Parties Director of Education and its administrative officers Director of Health and administrative officers Director of DOTA, certification and payable section Timeline Verification of Effectiveness Periodically verify the department's purchases to ensure that no instances of noncompliance are still taking place.

Action Item Title 2023-005 – Federal Award Findings Status (Open: In-process) Condition General Procurement Standards - Written Policies Suspension and Debarment - Covered Transaction The Corporation has an outdated institutional procurement manual approved in 2014 that lacks written policies to ascertain compliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, or the terms and conditions of federal awards regarding procurement, suspension, and debarment requirements. From a sample of eighteen disbursements, we selected eight disbursements to ascertain compliance with 2 CFR section 180.220, specifically regarding the inclusion of procurement contracts as covered transactions. We examined the procurement documents provided by the Corporation. From that sample, we identified that the Corporation did not perform the required verification process for covered transactions during the year ended June 30, 2023. Identified root cause The Corporation lacks internal controls and policies to ensure compliance with federal procurement requirements. In addition, the Corporation relies on the procedures performed by the Administration of General Services to comply with procurement requirements. As a result, the Corporation did not maintain its own documentation. Grantee resolution plan Procurement Policies and Covered Transactions The Corporation is currently in the process of reviewing its Procurement Procedure to align it with ASG guidelines and incorporate federal regulations. Completion date By December 31, 2025. Name and Title of contact: Linnette Dávila Alemán- Financial and Budget Assistant Manager Phone: 787-724-4747 ext. 2105 Email: ldavila@cba.pr.gov Jetppeht Pérez de Corcho Morgado – General Manager Phone: 787-724-4747 ext. 2102 Email: jperez@cba.pr.gov

Finding ref number: 2023-002 Finding caption: The Town did not have adequate internal controls for ensuring compliance with federal procurement requirements. Name, address, and telephone of Town contact person: Randy Kilmer, Clerk/Treasurer PO Box 278 Twisp, WA 98856 Corrective action the auditee plans to take in response to the finding: Town of Twisp has since been working to draft updated federal award/purchasing/reporting policy, not only to address processes for procurement, but to establish federal purchasing policy in compliance with the recommendation of the recent audit findings including discipline for non-adherence to the policy. This Policy was adopted in October of 2024 and will alleviate any further issues with Federal procurement requirements. Anticipated date to complete the corrective action: Completed

2023-004 Procurement, Suspension and Debarment The Committee acknowledges that certain procurement procedures were not followed, leading to a finding of noncompliance. To remedy this, on July 1, 2025 we put new workflow controls in place within our new integrated accounting software. These workflows support compliance with our procurement policies and ensure all required supporting documentation, including forms for micro and small purchases, are secured and archived for capital purchases and grant expenditures. This will ensure that all procurement policies, which are in compliance with all FTA guidelines, are consistently followed.

Finding 2023-003: Test no 15 is for Department of Education and the rest are for Department of Health. • For test no. 15, obligation 361854 – Of 3 quotations obtained for a small purchase transaction, the highest quotation was selected, there was no documented justification to support the procurement selection. • For test no. 16, obligation 372216 – The procurement was sourced from one vendor and lacks additional quotations. There was no documented justification to support the sole-source procurement. • For test no. 17, obligation 372215 – The procurement was sourced from one vendor and lacks additional quotations. There was no documented justification to support the sole-source procurement. • For test no. 22, obligation 334914 – The procurement file included 2 quotations and a justification form that did not relate to the transaction as it cites an explanation for purchasing goods from other vendors unrelated to the actual transaction. Of the 2 vendors included, there did not appear to be a notable difference in goods/services offered, however the higher of the 2 was selected. Consequently, we could not determine the ultimate basis for vendor selection. • For test no. 30, obligation 358537 – The procurement as sourced from one vendor and lacks additional quotations. There was no documented justification for the sole-source procurement. Root Cause Analysis Ineffective documentation filing and retention controls, further impacted by the relocation of the State Treasury office. Corrective Actions • Strengthen procurement documentation controls and ensure rationales and justifications for vendor selection are retained in procurement files. Responsible Parties Director of Education and its administrative officers Director of Health and administrative officers Director of DOTA, certification and payable section Timeline Verification of Effectiveness Periodically verify the department's purchases to ensure that no instances of noncompliance are still taking place.