Corrective Action Plans

Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Compliance and Internal Control over Compliance Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Defense Federal Program Name: Conservation and Rehabilitation of Natural Resources on Military Installations Assistance Listing Number: 12.005 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H79TI083313 - 2020 Award Period: September 28, 2020, through September 27, 2025 Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR 200.320 requires non-federal entities to have and use documented procurement procedures. 2 CFR 200.318(i) states that "the non-Federal entity must maintain record 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, 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) states that "... 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". Furthermore, 2 CFR 200.320(b) states that "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.". Condition: During our testing, it was noted that the Organization was not performing suspension and debarment checks prior to entering into vendor contracts to ensure the vendor was not listed in the suspended or debarred database maintained by the General Services Administration. In addition, the Organization does not have an established procurement policy nor procedures in place at the time of the audit in compliance with Uniform Guidance. Questioned costs: None. Context: For procurement, a sample of 8 was made from a population of 30 procurement transactions charged to the major program that exceeded $3,000 (the Organization's procurement policy after 2023 and below the minimum micropurchase threshold before it was increased by the FAR to $10,000 for those with a written established policy). Of the 8 sampled procurement selections, three did not retain an adequate number of price comparisons prior to exercising the procurement, four did not follow the formal procurement methods for proposals when required, and all lacked evidence of controls over procurement considerations. For suspension and debarment, a sample of 3 was made from a population of 3 (entire population) suspension and debarment transactions charged to the major program. Of the 3 sampled, all were not checked for suspension or debarment prior to entering into the transaction. Cause: Prior to completing the prior year’s audit, staff were not aware of the specific compliance requirements and procedures for procurement, suspension, and debarment status. Effect: Purchases may occur that do not follow the procurement, suspension and debarment standards as required by Uniform Guidance, and contracts to vendors that had been suspended or debarred could be awarded and not detected. Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the immediately prior year. Prior year finding number was 2022-002. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization ensure its current process to review potential contractors for suspension and debarment is taking place prior to entering into transactions with such entities. The Organization has already taken steps to address considerations around procurement by implementing a Procurement Approval form. CLA recommends the use of this form, including signature, and emphasizes the importance of retaining adequate price rate quotations, RFP documentation, sole-source evidence, and price analyses in accordance with their established thresholds. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: Previous corrective actions were completed in April 2024 upon receipt of our FY 2022 Audit from CLA. We believe these corrective actions would have captured most, if not all, of the findings if they were in place for the entire FY23 period. That said we have further reviewed and expanded our internal controls around procurement, suspension, and debarment, including the process for reviewing potential contractors for suspension and debarment. Specifically, we have added language in all agreement templates to ensure we are in accordance with Uniform Guidance. As noted, we have also added a procurement approval form and a standardized process for approval signature, quotes, sole source evidence and price analyses. As part of that effort, we have also updated threshold amounts for micro-purchase, small purchase, and procurement standards to be consistent with FAR and we are providing additional training to staff. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Gary Slater Planned completion date for corrective action plan: 10/1/2024

Additional training and review of the procurement process will take place. This office will coordinate with other departments with training and expectations.

FINDING 2023-003 Finding Subject: COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY - PROCUREMENT AND SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT. Summary of Finding: There were deficiencies in the internal control system of the City resulting in noncompliance with the grant’s procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Ashley Huffman Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 765-521-6803 nccityclerk@gmail.com Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The City did not follow its policy for Federal Grant Disbursements. The Clerk Treasurer's office will ensure compliance with the Procurement requirement. The City has implemented maintaining contract files with the Deputy Clerk Treasurer reviewing to ensure they contain documentation of the history of the procurement, including the rationale for the method of procurement and selection of the vendor. Anticipated completion date: September 1, 2024

FINDING 2023-005 Finding Subject: COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: Procurement - Policy The County had not established a purchasing policy that would reflect applicable state laws and regulations including procedures to avoid acquisition of unnecessary or duplicative items, procedures to ensure that all solicitations incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured and did not maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts. Procurement – Small Purchases The County had one vendor that was identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeding the $50,000 micro-purchase threshold. The one vendor was selected for testing. For the one vendor, the County did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment One covered transaction paid with SLFRF grant funds was identified during the audit period. The covered transaction totaled $66,000 with $46,752 paid in the audit period. Upon review, the County had not performed procedures to ensure the vendor was not suspended or debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified, from participation in federal assistance programs or activities at any time during the audit period Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Bryan Lewis Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 574-223-4764 and blewis@co.fulton.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The County will work on establishing a purchasing policy which will address federal procurement requirements. Before entering into contracts we will ensure the procurement procedures in the policy are followed and obtain quotes for vendors that meet the small purchase threshold as well as verify the suspension and debarment status. The Commissioners and Auditor’s office will work together to ensure requirements are met before payment is processed. Anticipated Completion Date: No later than December 31, 2024

FINDING 2023-004 Finding Subject: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: The County entered into an interlocal agreement with the City of Sullivan to procure services for a Sewer Lift Station Improvement/Line Extension to the New County Jail project. The County could not provide any documentation required to verify compliance with the procurement and Suspension and Debarment requirements for the SWIF funds spent on the project. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Amy Scarbrough Contact Phone Number and Email Address: (812)268-4491 ascarbrough@sullivancounty.in.gov Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The County will adopt a procurement policy. In addition, the County will work with the City of Sullivan to obtain the necessary documentation related to the interlocal agreement and maintain the documentation for future audit periods. Anticipated Completion Date: October, 2024

All County departments utilizing Federal dollars will be required to complete the Federally mandated procurement procedures. The County previously passed resolution #2018-868 pertaining to this requirement and will ensure all departments are following this policy moving forward.

FINDING 2023-004 Finding Subject: COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: Suspension and Debarment – Allen County did not have documentation that vendors’ suspension and debarment status were verified through either a) checking the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), b) collecting a certification, or c) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction agreement. Procurement – Allen County did not ensure purchases between $10,000 and $150,000 had received the adequate number of quotes or documented why an adequate number of quotes was not received. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Chris Cloud, Chief of Staff Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 260-449-4752 / chris.cloud@allencounty.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: To correct Finding 2023-004 for Suspension and Debarment, the Chief of Staff to the Board of Commissioners will check the EPLS on SAM.gov every time a contract is placed before the Board of Commissioners for signature not containing the appropriate suspension and debarment language or a county department starts a project with a vendor using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). If a vendor is not found in EPLS, a certification will be solicited from the vendor prior to contract signing or purchase of goods or services verifying that they have not been suspended or disbarred. A new verification must be sought for every contract or purchase. Documentation will be kept on file by the Controller to the Board of Commissioners who is responsible for reviewing claims submitted for payment utilizing SLFRF. To correct Finding 2023-004 for Procurement, the Chief of Staff to the Board of Commissioners will instruct departments who may be spending between $10,000-$150,000 of SLFRF that price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. When departments submit a claim to the Controller of the Board of Commissioners for payment, they must also provide a cover sheet outlining a) rationale for the method of procurement, b) copies of quotes received, and c) a justification for the selected vendor. This information will be reviewed and if everything is in order, the cover sheet will be uploaded, along with the accompanying invoices, in the Workflow payment system as part of the record. Anticipated Completion Date: This CAP will be completed by December 31, 2024

FINDING 2023-001 Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster – Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Summary of Finding: The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for the four vendors tested that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. There was no evidence of the School Corporation verifying two vendors tested for Suspension and Debarment that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Matt Miles Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 317-423-8380 mattmiles@msdlt.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: This is a repeat finding due to the immediate timing of the prior audit and a lag for new controls to take effect. The School District will obtain 3 quotes or do a bid process in the future. If there is limited availability, we will document the reason 3 quotes are not possible. Additionally, the District will check for suspension and debarment, create a write-up of our findings, and obtain Board approval for the contract. Anticipated Completion Date: Corrective action steps have been implemented and will be refreshed.

Finding 2023-003 – Procurement Non-Compliance (Material Weakness) Federal Program Title: U.S. Department of Treasury – ALN 21.027, Covid-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF), and Research and Development Cluster Assistance Listing Number: Various Action taken in response to finding: We have taken steps to identify all active federal awards that are subject to Federal procurement requirements under 2 CFR Part 200; these actions will ensure that all purchase orders and other subcontract arrangements under existing federal awards are subject to our purchasing system policies and procedures for Federal awards. Southern Research’s existing purchasing policies and procedures for Federal awards were reviewed and deemed acceptable in 2017 by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Huntsville, AL. Contracts appropriately classified as Federal awards will be subject to purchasing policies and procedures that are compliant with Federal regulations. As part of the business process review, we will implement processes to ensure that all new Federal awards are classified correctly, and that Southern Research’s Federal purchasing system policies and procedures are applied to all Federal awards. Name of Person Responsible for the Corrective Action Plan: David A. Rutledge, Sr. Advisor - Finance Planned Completion Date for Corrective Action Plan: We anticipate that new process recommendations from the business process review related to purchasing will be implemented no later than December 31, 2024.

FINDING 2023-004 Finding Subject: COVID 19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: The County did not have documented procurement procedures or policies reflecting applicable State or Federal laws and regulations for procuring goods and services paid with Federal funds. One vendor was identified that fell within the small purchase threshold, with total purchases of $33,100. Price or rate quotations were not obtained, nor was full and open competition provided for the vendor. Additionally, there was no documentation available to support the rationale to limit competition. One vendor was identified that fell within the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, with total purchases of $213,734. Sealed bids or competitive proposals were not obtained, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The County did not have any policies or procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. A population of six covered transactions, totaling $470,435, that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from SLFRF funds was identified. Four of the six covered transactions, totaling $312,745, were selected for testing. For each of the four transactions, the County did not verify the vendors' suspension or debarment status prior to payment due to the County not having any policies or procedures in place to verify that contractors were neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified, from participating in federal assistance programs or activities. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Janet Chadwell Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 812-663-2570 jchadwell@decaturcounty.in.gov Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: We have begun a procurement policy discussion with our county attorney who is working us on that. We will include in this procurement policy requirements to all entities requesting grant funds to provide documentation of requests for proposals, quotes and or sealed bids and explanations on why vendor was chosen. A procedure for proof of a vendors’ no suspensions or debarments from receiving federal funds will be also be added to this “policy in progress”. We will implement internal controls to ensure that the established procurement procedures are followed to ensure open competition. Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2024

FINDING 2023-003 Finding Subject: COVID 19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: The County did not have documented procurement procedures or policies reflecting applicable State or Federal laws and regulations for procuring goods and services paid with Federal funds. One vendor was identified that fell within the small purchase threshold, with total purchases of $117,144.20, of which $7,144.20 was paid from the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds received from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Price or rate quotations were not obtained, nor was full and open competition provided for the vendor. Additionally, there was no documentation available to support the rationale to limit competition. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Janet Chadwell Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 812-663-2570 jchadwell@decaturcounty.in.gov INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: We have discussed a procurement policy with our county attorney who is working us on that. We will present a draft policy to the Commissioners hopefully by mid- November. We will implement internal controls to ensure that the established procurement procedures are followed to ensure open competition. Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2024

The Board acknowledges the finding related to procurement practices under Finding 2023-001. We recognize the importance of adhering to federal procurement requirements, specifically those outlined in 2 CFR 200.319(d), to ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of federal funds. Management will review and update policies to ensure they align with federal regulations specified in 2 CFR 200.319(d) and will provide training to relevant personnel on federal procurement requirements.

Management will strengthen its processes and internal control to ensure that report of expenditures is reviewed by Finance prior to submission and only includes expenditures incurred in the period. In addition, Management will amend its procurement policy to ensure the policy includes the required regulations as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations in relation to Federal Awards and that all relevant documentation will be retained. Christopher Caulfield, Executive Director of Financial Operations, will effectuate the corrective action plan, which is anticipated to be completed by December 31, 2024. caulfieldc@sjhmc.org 973-754-2016

FINDING 2023-003 Finding Subject: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: The City did not obtain price or rate quotes for the one vendor tested that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The micro-purchase threshold may be increased, but the City did not provide documentation that the threshold had been increased. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. A population of 9 covered transactions for goods or services were paid from Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund funds during the audit period. A sample of 3 transactions were selected for testing. Of the 3 transactions tested, 1 vendor was not verified to not suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs or activities. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Craig Wright - Controller Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 765-747-4828 cwright@muncie.in.gov Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Correcting the audit findings is ongoing. The city has implemented monitoring procedures to review and prevent reoccurring errors. Anticipated Completion Date: The internal control monitoring and checks and balances will be implemented immediately and continue going forward.

FINDING 2023-02 PROCUREMENT POLICY AND DOCUMENTATION (Background info) As mentioned in the audit, the SSTHA Board of Commissioners adopted a new Procurement Policy, and they also adopted an addendum to that policy that was mandated in a previous audit disclosure. Unfortunately, within 2 years the SSTHA had significant employee turnover within its maintenance and development operation. Four employees retired, re-located, and/or deceased. Consequently, the matter of training in procurement is ongoing but vested in that procurement compliance is key in the qualification review process for new grants. FINDING 2023-02 PROCUREMENT POLICY AND DOCUMENTATION (Corrective Action) Procurement training has been an ongoing process, particularly by way of bidding. Additional training shall be initiated through budget cost accounting, purchasing through proposals, document retention, and debarment shall be undertaken with the accounting aspect training referenced in Finding #1 above.

FINDING 2023-003 Finding Subject: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Cluster -Procurement Summary of Finding: The Town did not obtain price or rate quotes for the two vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The micro-purchase threshold may be increased, but the Town did not provide documentation that the threshold had been increased. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Sherry Ervin Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 765-478-3522 cctownclerk@comcast.net Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The Town will document in the minutes when there is only one (1) vendor available for the purchase of equipment Anticipated Completion Date: By year end 12/31/2024

2023-002 U.S. Department of Environment Protection – Assistance Listing # 66.468 Capitalization Grants for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Cluster) Lack of Required Written Policies & Procedures – Compliance Condition & Criteria: The Authority does not currently have all the written policies and procedures in place as required by the Uniform Guidance as it relates to financial management and determining allowability of costs for the federal program (Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200.302 & 200.305). In addition CFR sections 200.318, 200.319, and 200.320 require there to be written policies and procedures regarding procurement and conflicts of interest. Planned Corrective Action: The water systems improvements federally funded project is the Authority’s first time subject to the requirements of the Uniform Guidance as we have not had any significant grant funding since 2004. The Authority does have a set of informal policies and procedures that are followed as it relates to financial management, allowability of costs, procurement, and conflicts of interest, and have been very careful to carry out all federal program activities in accordance with established regulations; however, the Authority was simply not aware of the requirement that these polices and procedures be documented in writing. The Authority has been working over the past year to draft and develop these policies and procedures as they relate to federal programs, and to get them documented in writing. The Authority is currently working with their attorney to have the written polices established and plan to have this completed within the next fiscal year. Once the required policies are written, the Board of the Authority will review the policies, revise as appropriate, and adopt the policies for the Authority to comply with the federal funding requirements.

Finding 2023-001 – Internal control deficiency and noncompliance over Procurement 1) Communication & Awareness: • Debrief by Director, Research and Sponsored Awards with the Community Health Department Senior Leaders and Program Managers regarding the audit finding; including procurement requirements, the nature of the deficiency and failure points. This occurred on 8/27/2024. • Meeting between Director, Research and Sponsored Awards, PHS Communications and Brand Management leadership and VP of Community Health to communicate procurement requirements and clarify responsibilities for communication of applicability of Federal procurement requirements to specific projects for which advertising services are requested. Initial Meeting occurred 8/28/2024. 2) Training & Education: • Targeted Training with the Community Health department (primary recipient of on-going Federal funding) on Federal procurement requirements. This training will be provided by the Research and Sponsored Awards staff and will be extended to any additional departments new to Federal funding. • Enhancement of existing required annual enterprise-wide leadership training that includes a section on grant funding with increased emphasis on procurement. Research and Sponsored Awards department is responsible for content. • Development of materials for new hires or others new to grant funding who are responsible for federally funded projects (collaboration between Research and Sponsored Awards department and Community Health department) 3) Policies & Procedures: • Written Procedures & Toolkits: Development of written procedures for contracting, exclusion checks and general procurement of goods or services to include checklists / toolkits to facilitate actions required for compliance with Federal procurement rules. • Update to existing policy “Federally funded Grants or Contracts – Procurement / Purchase of Supplies, Services and Other Property” to clarify the responsibilities for communication of applicability of Federal procurement requirements when a department receiving Federal funding procures goods or services through other PHS departments. 4) Collaboration with PHS Marketing department to ensure pathways exist for competitive bids, when necessary, including documentation of processes related to procurements under Federal funding. The first meeting was held 9/12/2024. 5) The Director, Research and Sponsored Awards and Community Health Department will review the items identified as questioned costs to identify if any improper payments were made to PHS. Contact Person: Lori Galves, Director, Research and Sponsored Awards Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2024

Views of Responsible Officials: The Center will update its procurement policies and ensure staff are trained on all procedures and requires documentation. Name and Title of Responsible Official(s): Vibha Bhatia, Vice President of Finance and Operations Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2024

Texas Biomed has detailed procurement policies in place that outline requirements relative to expenditures on federal awards. Historically, training of new employees in Purchasing and employees in other departments with purchasing-related responsibilities was provided periodically. Turnover in 2023 affecting the Purchasing department led to a failure to ensure adequate training was provided such that compliance responsibilities were clearly understood. With the implementation of a new P2P system in Q3 2024, training has been updated for the new system and will incorporate reminders of compliance requirements for federal awards. Separate trainings are planned for September 2024 for Purchasing staff and for staff in other departments involved in the purchasing process. Training will include requirements to obtain and document multiple quotes for purchases over $10,000 and to document sole source justification when there are no other viable suppliers for a purchase. Purchasing staff will review requisitions to ensure the appropriate documentation is saved with the Purchase Order in the purchasing system. Any new employees or temporary workers in the Purchasing department will be trained on the requirements before they are allowed to begin processing purchase requisitions. Responsible Parties: Eva Zepeda, Director, Finance; Patricia Thompson, Assistant Director, Materials Management Completion Date: September 30, 2024

Seymour Public Schools will go out to bid for any purchases over $25,000. Jason Vieira of the Towns Finance Department is responsible for the corrective action plan.

FINDING 2023-002 Finding Subject: Water and Wastewater Disposal Systems for Rural Communities – Procurement Summary of Finding: One vendor was not procured according to the simplified acquisition threshold. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Tammy Selby Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 812-354-8511 tselby@petersburg.in.gov Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: In the future, we will bid out all professional services. We will follow our same policies for bidding out to other vendors. Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2024

Finding 2023-004 Finding Subject: Covid-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Findings: The County did not have a Board approved procurement policy that would reflect applicable state laws and regulations including procedures to avoid acquisition of unnecessary or duplicative items and procedures to ensure that all solicitations incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured. The County had five vendors that qualified for testing under small purchase procurement requirements (vendors paid $10,000-$150,000). Of the two chosen for testing, one was awarded a contract without the County obtaining quotes. The contract awarded was $31,000 for engineering services related to drain construction. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Debbie Morton-Crum, County Auditor Contact Phone Number: 765-482-2940 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The process was not clear to the Auditor’s Office or the departments submitting the claims for payment. We are more aware of the correct process and procedures that need to take place and will add those procedures to our Internal Control policy to ensure that the vendor is not suspended or debarred. Anticipated Completion Date: October 2024

FINDING 2023-002 Finding Subject: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Aaron Kaytar Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 317-852-1120 akaytar@brownsburg.org Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the findings. Description of Corrective Action Plan: In 2023 a Purchasing Policy was implemented for all departments to follow. It states: 1. For Purchases Under $50,000 a. Purchases or Contracts of $1,000 or Less i. Shall be reviewed and approved by the designated Purchasing Agent. ii. The Department Head, Procurement Manager and Town Manager reserve the right to deny any Purchase. iii. Contracts should be submitted to the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office for retention. b. Purchases or Contract between $1,000 and $10,000 i. Shall be reviewed and approved via a Requisition Form by the Purchasing Agent/Department Head. ii. The Procurement Manager and Town Manager reserve the right to deny any Purchase. iii. Contracts should be submitted to the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office for retention. iv. Any new purchase that meets the asset requirement ($5,000 or more) MUST be reported to the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office. c. Purchases or Contracts between $10,000 and $50,000 i. Shall be reviewed and approved via a Requisition Form by the Department Head, Procurement Manager and Town Manager. ii. Should have (3) formal quotes from different vendors. iii. The Procurement Manager and Town Manager reserve the right to deny any Purchase. iv. Contracts should be submitted to the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office for retention. v. Any new purchase that meets the asset requirement ($5,000 or more) MUST be reported to the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office. d. Purchases of at Least $50,000 and Less Than $150,000 i. Shall be reviewed and approved by the Department Head, Procurement Manager, Town Manager and Town Council. ii. The information shall be presented to Town Council and should contain (3) formal quotes from different vendors. iii. Contracts should be submitted to the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office for retention. iv. Any new purchase that meets the asset requirement ($5,000 or more) MUST be reported to the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office. e. Purchases of $150,000 or More i. Shall be submitted via a formal bidding process. ii. Shall be reviewed by Department Heads, Procurement Manager, Town Manager and Town Council. iii. Contracts should be submitted to the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office for retention. iv. Any new purchase that meets the asset requirement ($5,000 or more) MUST be reported to the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office. 2. To provide services to the Town of Brownsburg, you must not be debarred, suspended, or otherwise be excluded from or ineligible for participation in federally assisted programs under Executive Order 12549. Anticipated Completion Date: Policy change 2023. Purchase order change 8/31/2024.

Current plan & Actions being taken and developed. 1. Develop and Update Procurement Policies Create Comprehensive Policies: Ensure that the procurement policy covers all aspects of the procurement process, including vendor selection, bidding, contract management, and expenditure approvals. Regular Reviews: Periodically review and update the policies to reflect changes in laws, regulations, or best practices. 2. Establish Clear Procedures Document Procedures: Develop detailed procedures for each step of the procurement process, from requisition to payment. Create a procurement checklist. Standardize Processes: Ensure consistency across departments by standardizing procedures for procurement activities. Provide each department with the procurement check list. 3. Training and Awareness Conduct Training: Provide regular training for all staff involved in procurement to ensure they understand the policies and procedures. Promote Awareness: Increase awareness about the importance of compliance with procurement policies. 4. Implement Controls and Checks Segregation of Duties: Divide procurement responsibilities among different staff to reduce the risk of errors or fraud. Approval Processes: Establish clear approval hierarchies and limits for procurement activities and expenditures. Audit Trails: Maintain detailed records and documentation for all procurement transactions. 5. Monitor and Review Compliance Regular Audits: Conduct regular internal and external audits of procurement activities to ensure adherence to policies. Performance Metrics: Develop metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of procurement processes and identify areas for improvement. 6. Enforce Accountability Responsibility Assignments: Assign clear responsibilities for monitoring and enforcing procurement policies. 7. Utilize Technology Data Analysis: Use data analytics to track spending patterns, vendor performance, and policy compliance. 8. Encourage Transparency Open Bidding Processes: Ensure that procurement opportunities are advertised openly and fairly. 9. Feedback and Continuous Improvement Solicit Feedback: Gather feedback from staff and vendors on the procurement process to identify areas for improvement. Continuous Improvement: Regularly update procedures and policies based on feedback and audit findings. 10. Departmental Integration Cross-Department Coordination: Ensure that all departments are aligned with procurement policies and procedures. Provide each department with the procurement check list. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: All Department Directors, in conjunction with the Finance Department, are collectively accountable for the implementation and oversight of this corrective action plan. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be reviewed and approved in an open Town Meeting, with decisions made by the Mayor and Commissioners. Planned completion date for corrective action plan: Implementation commenced around June 1, 2024 and is projected to be fully operational within a year June 1, 2025.