Corrective Action Plans

FINDING 2023-003 Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement Summary of Finding: The School Corporation’s management had not developed a system of internal controls that would ensure compliance with procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirement. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Tracey Haas, Deputy Treasurer Contact Phone Number and Email Address: thaas@mcas.k12.in.us (219)873-2000 ext. 8346 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding. We are working on establishing a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services. Description of Corrective Action Plan: We are working on establishing a proper system of internal control and developing policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services. We are working on a checklist for procurement for all federal grants. Moving forward we will ensure required bids and quotes are attached to the claim for payment. Anticipated Completion Date: The Anticipated date of completion for this correction is January 1, 2025.

FINDING 2023-004 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: The School Corporation had not designed or implemented internal controls, policies, or procedures to ensure that proper procurement procedures for small purchases were followed. Due to the lack of oversight or implemented controls small purchases paid to eight vendors totaling $180,015 were made without obtaining price or rate quotes. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented internal controls, policies, or procedures to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. One covered transaction that equaled or exceeded $25,000 was identified and selected for testing. Transactions to the vendor totaled $81,295; the School Corporation did not verify the vendor’s suspension and debarment status prior to payment. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Juli Windsor Contact Phone Number:765-689-9131 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the finding Description of Corrective Action Plan: The corporation will have adequate internal control in place and the corporation will develop a procedure to ensure rate or priced quotes are obtained for small purchases and ensure contractors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Anticipated Completion Date: April 2024

Management agrees with the finding. Management has drafted a procurement policy, and will enact and enforce this policy by the end of 2024. This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that any changes in laws and regulation are reflected in internal procedures.

Incorporate a Federal Procurement Policy (Res # 24-11)

Management Comments and Corrective Action: Due to the growing need to adequately care for the minors at SWK’s shelters coupled with the limitations of access to vendors caused by COVID-19, SWK utilized existing vendor to minimize significant disruptions to operations. The Organization is aware they are operating under contracts that were procured in previous years that may not have all the records maintained. Reprocuring all of these contracts at once would potentially cause disruptions in operations due to the products/services related to those vendors playing an important role in the Organization’s day-to-day operations. In April 2021, the Organization hired new procurement leadership and invested in Full Time Employees (FTEs) to develop a robust procurement department. Due to this procurement revamp, Procurement adopted a hybrid model, and Desktop Protocols were established to provide universal procedures to fulfill policy. Protocols instruct staff on obtaining three quotes and provide tools for selecting the vendor. In addition, quality protocols and tools are currently in development to verify a random sample of procurement transactions and files. The Organization still has several active contracts procured under the old policies that they are working on reprocuring as these contracts’ renewal dates arise, if not earlier. Proposed Implementation Date of Corrective Action: In process and to be completed by December 31, 2025. Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Steven Beckman, CFO

Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund – Assistance Listing No. 21.027 Recommendation: We recommend the County carefully review federal procurement requirements for proper documentation needed. The County should consider use of a Federal procurement checklist. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: Any new vendors selected for the SLFRF program will be reviewed for suspension or debarment by the Auditor’s office in SAM.gov. Auditor’s office has discussed the process of procurement documentation of all SLFRF program vendors with administrative personnel. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Eric Black, Chief Deputy Auditor. Planned completion date for corrective action plan: November 30, 2024

Management will develop, adopt and implement a procurement policy for federal purchases that aligns with the requirement of the 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance. This process will include steps within the interview and application process to ensure contractors and subrecipients are eligible (not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded) to enter into an agreement, contract, or subaward with the City. The process will also include steps to ensure all necessary language, such as the Buy America Build America Provisions are included in the final contracts.

Management of the Town will work to adopt a formal procurement policy that is in compliance with Federal Uniform Guidance and State requirement. The Town will also assign a federal procurement leader that will help determine requirements for federal versus nonfederal awards as well as ensuring the Town's new procurement policy is followed.

Management of the City will work to adopt a formal procurement policy that is in compliance with Federal Uniform Guidance and State requirements. The City will also assign a federal procurement leader that will help determine requirements for federal versus nonfederal awards as well as ensuring the City’s new procurement policy is followed.

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