2023-002 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment – Proper Documentation
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund
Material Weakness in Internal Control, Material Noncompliance
Condition: The Authority did not have adequate controls over compliance with federal regulations regarding procurement. During ...
2023-002 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment – Proper Documentation
14.872 Public Housing Capital Fund
Material Weakness in Internal Control, Material Noncompliance
Condition: The Authority did not have adequate controls over compliance with federal regulations regarding procurement. During the audit period, Authority paid amounts to a contractor for unit turnover and renovation totaling $121,125 without documenting that it had properly procured these services.
Recommendation: Authority personnel responsible for acquiring goods and services should receive additional training regarding the federal standards for procurement.
Action Taken: To address the identified deficiencies and restore compliance, the Authority will implement the following corrective actions:
1. Training and Capacity Building: Provide comprehensive online and in-person training on procurement, contract management, and budget accountability for all relevant staff. Train management staff on participating in procurement selection committees and evaluating Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), and Invitations for Bids (IFBs). Include budget literacy and financial planning modules in all staff training programs to ensure understanding of budget development, monitoring, and compliance.
2. Third-Party Assessment and Policy Updates: Engage a third-party firm to assess procurement, contract management, and budget oversight operations. Revise the current procurement policy, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and budget management protocols to ensure alignment with best practices. Update internal controls and financial policies to ensure alignment with HUD regulations and best practices.
3. Process Improvement and Technology Integration: Develop a process map based on assessment findings to streamline procurement and budget workflows, thereby reducing risk. Implement an affordable, user-friendly eProcurement software solution tailored to the affordable housing sector. Evaluate the need for a dedicated staff member to manage the eProcurement system, including vendor management, proposal evaluation, contract oversight, reporting, and system integration.
4. Transparency and Outreach: Create and maintain a procurement page on both the current and new Authority websites. Publicize procurement opportunities through social media and other outreach channels. Publish budget summaries and procurement plans to promote transparency and stakeholder confidence.
5. Governance and Accountability: Ensure all relevant staff, including finance, executive leadership, asset management, and others, are trained in procurement, contract management, and budget accountability. Reinforce best practices by designating the Chief Executive Officer as the sole Contracting Officer authorized to enter into agreements on behalf of the Authority. Establish regular internal audits and budget reviews to monitor compliance and performance.