Corrective Action Plans

CONDITION: During my review of The School District of the City of Jeannette’s compliance with the requirements of the Public School Code and the Uniform Guidance for procurement of goods and services, the District was unable to provide documentation or other evidence that either 1) three price or rate quotations for the purchase of goods between $10,000 and $22,500, and services between $10,000 and $250,000 were obtained, or 2) the vendor met the requirements of a ‘sole source provider’ with documentation to support such designation, for the following vendors – Grade Point Resources ($74,503.17) and VLN Partners, LLP ($52,750.00). CRITERIA: In accordance with 24 PA Statute 8.807.1, the District must obtain/document at least three (3) written or well documented price or rate quotations from a reasonable number of qualified sources for purchases of goods between $10,000 and $$22,500 (threshold established annually). In addition, Section 2 CFR 200.300(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance requires price or rate quotations to be received from an adequate number of qualified sources for purchases above the micro purchase threshold of $10,000 and the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. Furthermore, Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance details five (5) circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that for all future purchases of goods and/or services utilizing federal funds, that the District adhere to the requirements of 1) the District’s Procurement Policy for Federal Programs (#626.5), 2) the 24 PA Statute 8.807.1, 3) Section 2 CFR 200.300(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance regarding obtaining three price or rate quotations for the purchase of goods between $10,000 and $22,500, and services between $10,000 and $250,000, and as applicable, 4) Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) and Section 2CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance regarding the proper documentation required for noncompetitive procurement using federal funding.

MANAGEMENT’S CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: Management will review and update as necessary, it’s current procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance, in specific, Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance, as well as 24 PS 8.807.1. In specific, these procedures will include 1) obtaining all relevant information pertaining to procurements involving federal assistance from any cooperative purchasing group and 2) obtaining quotations from three qualified providers where applicable and documenting those results. These two (2) updated procedures will be implemented during the remaining months of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and all subsequent years, for future purchases where applicable.

MANAGEMENT’S CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: Management will review and update as necessary, it’s current procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance, in specific, Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 200.320(a)(2)(i) of the Uniform Guidance, as well as 24 PS 8.807.1. In specific, these procedures will include 1) obtaining all relevant information pertaining to procurements involving federal assistance from any cooperative purchasing group and 2) obtaining quotations from three qualified providers where applicable and documenting those results. These two (2) updated procedures will be implemented during the remaining months of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and all subsequent years, for future purchases where applicable.

FINDING 2023-002 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster ‐ Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: Procurement procedures not met – Suspension and Debarment not verified Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Carrie Alford Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 812-254-5536 calford@wcs.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Washington Community Schools was under the impression that since Sodexo was the vendor for the purchases, the contract between Washington Community Schools and Sodexo was sufficient. Going forward, WCS will obtain contracts directly from the retailer even when Sodexo is the vendor in WCS files. If Sodexo makes purchases on behalf of WCS, they will obtain quotes from three retailers. WCS will request and maintain the quotes obtained by Sodexo. WCS will also check for any suspension and debarment for any vendor that Sodexo uses to purchase items for WCS. Anticipated Completion Date: 02/01/2024

FINDING 2023-008 Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation had not designed or implemented a procurement policy for the purchases in the audit period. In addition, the school corporation did not award a contract for a purchase of $75,387. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. 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 $75,387; the School Corporation did not verify the vendor’s suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Amy K. Sivley Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 260-563-2151; sivleya@apaches.k12.in.us INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 50 Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Explanation and Reasons for Disagreement: n/a Description of Corrective Action Plan: Create internal controls (using either SAMS website, certification from vendor, or clause/condition in contract) to ensure that vendors have been vetted and have not been suspended or debarred. Also develop processes to ensure that contracts for purchases over $50,000 are approved by the School Board. Anticipated Completion Date: To begin immediately, March 2024

FINDING 2023-004 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance for Procurement and Suspension and Debarment. For covered transactions, the School Corporation is required to verify that the person with whom they wish to do business with is not excluded or disqualified. In Fiscal Year 2022, there was one vendor where the School Corporation had one covered transaction in the amount of $55,285, and in Fiscal Year 2023, there were two vendors where the School Corporation had four covered transactions in the amount of $130,257. During testing and inquiry of the School Corporation, it was determined that for all three vendors who had a total of five covered transactions in the amount of $185,542 during the audit period, the School Corporation did not verify if they were excluded or disqualified prior to entering into a covered transaction. In Fiscal Year 2022, the School Corporation purchased a box truck in the amount of $55,285; however, the School Corporation did not award a contract to the vendor per Indiana Code and the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation to support that three quotes were obtained prior to purchasing the box truck. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Amy K. Sivley Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 260-563-2151; sivleya@apaches.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Explanation and Reasons for Disagreement: n/a Description of Corrective Action Plan: Create internal controls (using either SAMS website, certification from vendor, or clause/condition in contract) to ensure that vendors have been vetted and have not been suspended or debarred. Also develop processes to ensure that contracts for purchases over $50,000 are approved by the School Board. Anticipated Completion Date: To begin immediately, March 2024

Manuals with respect to Procurement procedures will be updated to reflect proper regulation requirements. Also, training will be reinforced with respect to personnel working with purchase procedures to ensure everyone involved in the process is aware of all applicable regulations.

Assistance Listings number and program name: 10.691 Good Neighbor Authority Contact persons: Lucinda Andreani, Deputy County Manager and Flood Control District Administrator Anticipated completion date: June 30, 2025 Concur. The Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD) acknowledges price was not considered as a factor for contractor selection in the procurement of construction services for the Good Neighbor Authority program in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart D Procurement Standards. A procurement was completed for construction-manager at-risk (CMAR) services, authorized by A.R.S. 28-7366, because the FCD believed at that time that the method would also satisfy the federal standards. The CMAR method bases selection on qualification and competence, does not allow for pricing to be requested or considered before making the selection, and transfers the risk of budget overages to the contractor by agreement to a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). After selecting the contractor for Good Neighbor Authority construction projects, the FCD worked closely with the County’s contracted engineering firm to ensure that the GMP was reasonable and cost efficiencies were identified and implemented throughout all stages of the project. The County believes the prices paid as a result of the procurement are reasonable and no excess federal expenditures were made due to the non-federal procurement method that was used in error. FCD fiscal and management staff will receive formal training on 2 CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, also known as the Uniform Guidance, to ensure its requirements are understood. Additionally, the FCD will implement written internal procurement procedures to be used for future procurements so that they are made in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and policies. The County Finance Department has a designated grant accounting team specializing in compliance with Federal award requirements. The FCD will request technical assistance from this team prior to initiating any procurement with Federal funds to help make sure Federal regulations are considered and met. The Finance Department will provide training to all departments on Uniform Guidance requirements. Training will also be provided on the County’s procurement policies and procedures to help departments gain a complete understanding of the requirements for acquiring goods and services with federal funds. In line with the County’s decentralized finance model in which financial management staff are located within the departments, the responsibility to meet requirements specific to certain federal awards rests with the department that manages the award. The Finance Department will identify the source of funding for procurements requested by departments. Staff who are knowledgeable about Federal procurement requirements and the County’s procurement policies and procedures will review and approve the procurements involving federal awards.

At the beginning of the project the Center did not plan on using federal grant funds. At the conclusion of the project, it was determined that the project could be paid for by federal funds.

The HPU Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) will strengthen its internal control to ensure that the procurement policy for purchases using federal funds is followed and that the documents required for procurement are completed and maintained, including in circumstances where the vendor was explicitly identified in an approved grant application. The Vendor Justification Form will be enforced for all purchases meeting the specific threshold amount when procuring using federal funds. Person Responsible: Grant Principal Investigator; Assistant Vice President of the Office of Sponsored Projects; and Manager of the Office of Sponsored Projects. Targeted Correction Date: June 30, 2024.

OHA Procurement staff will verify all federal funded vendors are not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in a transaction with OHA by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Servies Administration and available at SAM.gov. This procedure was implemented on a go forward basis on March 13, 2024.

Finding Number: 2023-001 Planned Corrective Action: To ensure future compliance with procurement policy the following action has/will be taken: 1. Management has developed a Service & Contract Procurement form that will be attached to purchase agreements/contracts for services that is or has the reasonable potential to meet or exceed $10,000 over the contract period. Service & Contract Procurement form contains the following information: a. Description of solicited services; b. Summary of written proposals; c. Basis for the selection of the vendor; d. If an emergency procurement for ongoing services, timeline for complete formal procurement process; and e. Date on which Board of Directors approved the service contract. 2. The entire management team received refresher training on the agency’s procurement policy on March 21, 2024; and 3. Management will solicit formal written proposals for professional accounting services by June 30, 2024. Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2024 Responsible Contact Person: Joni N. Chun, Executive Director

The Supply Chain Depa11ment will ensure appropriate consideration to competitors are given and adequate documentation is obtained with respect to procurement of professional services and sole source products in accordance with the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR section 200.320(t). • Additionally, the documentation will be approved by the Director of Special Education as well as the Supervisor of Supply Chain and retained as evidence of the internal controls over procurement. Timeline: Effective immediately Responsible Person:Amber Miller, Supply Chain Supervisor

Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Organization will review procurement policies and procedures to address the recommendation noted. The Organization will also ensure that all documentation for procurement is saved in a central location digitally to ensure documentation is complete in the Organization’s records for all procurement decisions made.

MANAGEMENT’S PLANNED CORRECTIVE ACTION: For noncompetitive procurement, the District will maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include but are not limited to the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. The District’s timeframe for implementation is during the start of the 2023-2024 fiscal year and continuing forward. The District has contracted J. Martin & Associates, LLC (JMA) to provide business office accounting services. Representatives from JMA and the rest of the business office staff will monitor the implementation of noncompetitive procurement procedures to ensure that they are followed appropriately.

First, although all purchasers are required to complete training on purchasing and payment policies prior to obtaining system access, a refresher policy training will be provided to the 13 departments in which exceptions were discovered along with a reminder communication to all the approximately 4,300 department purchasers. This will be completed by June 30, 2024. Second, for certain types of purchases such as those involving intellectual property rights, suppliers may complete work in good faith and request payment in the absence of a purchase order or contract. A new procedure has been instituted requiring the department/supplier to execute a contract prior to payment in order to minimize legal risks to the University and its funding agencies. This new procedure is complete. Finally, we are analyzing legitimate uses of the OPRS form and evaluating whether placing a maximum dollar limit, such as $5,000, for the use of the form will further strengthen internal controls. The evaluation will be completed by June 30, 2024. Implementing maximum dollar limits on the OPRS form will require IT changes, and therefore implementation will not occur until December 31, 2024. Anticipated completion date: Various completion dates noted above in the corrective action plan. Names of contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Stephanie Ford-Jones, Director of Payment Processing and Compliance

FINDING 2023-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (Or Other Identifying Number): 19611-067-PN01, 20611-070-PN01, 21611-070-PN01, 22611-02-CEIS, 22611-070-PN01, 22611-070-ARP, 23611-067-PN01, 21619-070-PN01, 22619-070-ARP, 22619-070-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreements and Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirements. Context: Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a non-Federal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds. Micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $50,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. For fiscal year 2022, the School Corporation had one vendor, with disbursements totaling $199,713 for the fiscal year, which exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation 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. For fiscal year 2022, three vendors, totaling $228,079, were identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $50,000 micro-purchase threshold. One of the three vendors was selected for testing. The School Corporation 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. For fiscal year 2023, one vendor, totaling $65,861, was identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000, but exceeding the $50,000 micro-purchase threshold and was selected for testing. The School Corporation 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. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. “Covered transactions” include but are not limited to contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. During the audit period, there were six vendors identified which exceeded $25,000 in disbursements on an annual basis. Two vendors were selected for testing. In both instances, the School Corporation’s contract with the vendor did not include any suspension and debarment clause and the School Corporation did not verify the vendor’s suspension and debarment status prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was systemic issues throughout the audit period. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Management agrees with the finding. Specifically, regarding Suspension and Debarment, for contracts over $25,000, MSD of Pike Township will obtain a Certification or include a Suspension and Debarment clause in the contract. Absent Certification, the Director of Grants will review for “Suspension and debarment” and maintain documentation. The Special Education Department will work with the Grant Manager and will review contracts over $50,000 to follow the appropriate procurement policy to obtain quotes. Where specialized services are being solicited, we will maintain a procurement file memo documenting the process and the reasons for vendor selection. Responsible Party and Timeline for Completion: Greg A. Foster, Chief Financial Officer, will oversee the corrective action plan. Plan will be implemented by June 30, 2024.

1. Person responsible: Director, Department of Public Health 2. Corrective action plan: DPH agrees with this finding and recommendation and will discuss, and document sensitive legal matters funded by federal funds with respective grantors to obtain guidance and direction on addressing audit requests. DPH will implement a protocol wherein the program executing any contract using federal funds will collect and maintain sufficient records which detail the history of the procurement. The program will also verify that compliance with procurement requirements is maintained for all federally funded contracts, including sufficient documentation to demonstrate compliance with suspension or debarment. To confirm this, the program will check the SAM exclusions prior to entering into a contract and will maintain documentation of that verification. These will ensure DPH’s ability to provide documentation when requested by auditors. 3. Anticipated implementation date: July 1, 2024

1. Person responsible: Director, Department of Public Health 2. Corrective action plan: DPH, Acute Communicable Disease Control (ACDC) agrees with the finding and recommendation. Before entering into contract, DPH will check for SAM exclusions with date indicating verification before contract execution and keep this documentation on file. DPH, Administrative Services Division (ASD) - Procurement agrees with the finding and recommendation. DPH’s Administrative Services Division Manager will email Procurement staff to remind staff/manager to ensure SAM.GOV verification documents are included in all federally funded purchases before finalizing/approving those transactions. 3. Anticipated implementation date: March 11, 2024 and April 30, 2024

The City concurs with the second instance in which the City exceeds the $50,000 threshold required for the method of procurement for Micro-Purchases. The City corrected the public works contract template using federal funds not to exceed $50,000 and has updated the City internal website to reflect the updated contract templates and provide guidelines for public work projects using federal funds under the micro-purchase thresholds. For the first instance, the City believes some form of self-certification was performed as the procurement policy was updated and reviewed by internal management level and was approved by the council in FY2023. However, moving forward, the city will include an approved annual memo on the review of the purchasing policy to further strengthen the self-certification documentation.

Description of Corrective Action Plan: Prior to the completion of this audit, EmployIndy already made a number of changes to its financial operations. It parted ways with its Chief Financial Officer and procured the services of an outside Certified Public Accounting firm to begin the process of reviewing and updating its financial operations. In addition, it hired an Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations to lead the final development and implementation of updated financial processes. The Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations has worked with EmployIndy’s Board of Directors and Finance Committee to document a plan for improving EmployIndy’s financial operations across the board by the 2nd quarter of Calendar Year 2024. To ensure compliance with competitive procurement documentation requirements, EmployIndy will review and update, as necessary, its procurement processes, reflecting that in cases where competitive procurement of a vendor is performed by a partner organization that EmployIndy receive and retain all necessary documentary support. In addition, Grants and Contracts staff will complete retraining on competitive procurement requirements. Responsible Party and Timeline for Completion: Corrective Activity Responsible Party Timeline for Completion Review and update competitive procurement procedures to ensure documentary requirements for competitive procurements performed by partners are well-defined. Associate Director of Grants & Contracts 2nd Quarter of Calendar Year 2024 Complete updated training on competitive procurement documentation requirements Associate Director of Grants & Contracts and Grants & Contracts Manager By 3rd Quarter of Calendar Year 2024 Hold Grants and Contracts staff are accountable for collecting and retaining required documents in scenarios where a partner completes competitive procurement of vendor(s) used by EmployIndy Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations Ongoing

Ref 2023-006: Documentation needs to be maintained to justify the rationale for sole-source arrangements Federal Agency: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for Nigeria OTL Program: Nigeria OTL Assistance Listing: 98.001 (Nigeria OTL) Award #: 72062021CA00006 NGA100152 (Nigeria OTL) Award year: FY23 Pass-through: Plan USA, Inc. Management comments: Management agrees with the finding and recommendation. Although a system of internal control around the procurement process was in place for such transactions, we were unable to obtain the original procurement documents. As such, management will review and/or make updates to the existing policies in place as well as provide trainings during FY24 to staff to ensure that policies are properly followed and documentation is consistently maintained. (Corrective actions will be introduced and completed by June 30, 2024. Chief Financial Officer, Celine Thibaut, +33672261874)

FINDING 2023-005 Finding Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 National School Lunch Program; Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2021-2022, FY2022-2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Tiffiny Ulman Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 219-924-4250 tulman@griffith.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: Establish post award internal controls surrounding grant management including, but not limited to, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment. Anticipated Completion Date: 3/5/2024

Department of Education, United States Department of Agriculture, Federal Aviation Administration 2023-004 R&D Cluster – Assistance Listing No. 84.334, 10.001, 20.109 Condition: MSU established a micro-purchase threshold of $75,000 for contracted services and was not able to provide documentation to support this threshold. Recommendation: We recommend the institution review and revise their current procurement policy and review requirements to ensure that their policy is meeting Federal requirements. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: Mississippi State University will make corrections to the Procurement and Contracts Manual to ensure compliance with 2 CFR 200.320. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Jennifer Mayfield, Director of Procurement and Contracts and Jonathan Tucker, Director Sponsored Programs Planned completion date for corrective action plan: June 30, 2024 If the Department of Education, United States Department of Agriculture, or Federal Aviation Administration has questions regarding this plan, please call Jonathan Tucker at 662-325-1930.

Finding 2023-004 – Material Weakness AL No: 20.507 Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Federal Transit Formula Grants - Direct Award. Compliance Requirement: Procurement, Suspension and Debarment. Condition: The District was unable to provide documentation that the procurement of the CNG tank replacement project for five Orion buses exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000 was approved by the Board. There is documentation that an invitation for bid (IFB) was released for the project, but only one bid was received, and the District awarded the contract to the sole bidder. Missing documentation includes support of the rationale to approve the contract absent evidence of full and open competition. The District was also not able to provide the request for proposal for review. Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E (Uniform Guidance) states the following: • Section 200.318(a) states that “The non-federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or service required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity’s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in Sections 200.317 through 200.327.” • Section 200.318(i) states that “The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.” • Section 200.320(c) states that “There are specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Noncompetitive procurement can only be awarded if one or more of the following circumstances apply: (1) The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold…; (2) The item is available only from a single source; (3) The public exigency or emergency for the retirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; (4) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or (5) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate.” • Section 200.324(a) states that “The non-Federal entity must perform a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement action in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold including contract modifications. The method and degree of analysis is dependent on the facts surrounding the particular procurement situation, but as a starting point, the non-Federal entity must make independent estimates before receiving bids or proposals.” Cause: Staff turnover at the District and the need for the project to be completed by a certain date to avoid the buses losing certification led to the lack of adequate records being maintained. Effect: The District was unable to prove it was in compliance with the Uniform Guidance regarding open competition on procurements. the buses to be operational, so not every step was documented. The awarded contract was signed on the date of a Board meeting, but the Board minutes did not document that this contract was reviewed nor approved by the Board. Recommendation: We recommend the District establish a procurement folder on its server with subfolders for each individual procurement where documentation of each procurement is maintained, including advertising of the procurement, requests for proposals, proposals received, analysis of reasons for selecting the winning bid, executed contract, certifications by contractor if not part of proposal or executed contract, management report to board recommending which bid should be approved, board resolution approving the winning bid and for contracts under $250,000 a memo or form documenting bids received and reason for selecting the bid, including reasons for not selecting the lowest bid if applicable. We also recommend training be provided to staff that work on procurements of the requirements under Uniform Guidance Section 2 CFR 200.318 to 200.326. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the recommendation and acknowledges the importance of complying with uniform guidance regarding open and competitive procurements. Due to key staff turnover, the District could not locate documentation for the CNG tank replacement procurement to prove compliance with uniform guidance. In addition, the reason the agreement was not brought to the Board for approval could not be determined by current staff. To address the issues, the District will review its procurement and documentation procedures in addition to establishing checklists to ensure compliance and proper records retention.