Corrective Action Plans

CONDITION: During my review of Aliquippa School District’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 1) competitive bidding was performed for the purchases of goods or services over $22,500 and 2) a cost or price analysis for purchases in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold ($250,000), or 3) the vendor met the requirements of a ‘sole source provider’ with documentation to support such designation, for the following vendors –– Houghton Mifflin-Harcourt ($509,919), Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit ($419,826), and Smart Solutions ($449,303). CRITERIA: As specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District 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. In addition, small purchase procedures per 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) for acquisitions between the micro-purchase threshold (currently $10,000) and the simplified acquisition threshold (current $250,000), price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate. Per 24 PA Statue 8.807.1, there should be three quotes that are either written or well documented. Furthermore, Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance details five (5) circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. 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), 200.320(a)(2)(i) and Section CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance regarding the requirement to perform a cost or price analysis for purchases in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold ($250,000), 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, 2) obtaining quotations from three qualified providers where applicable and documenting those results, and 3) properly document purchases using federal assistance when the vendor meets the criteria as a sole source provider. These three (3) updated procedures will be implemented during the remaining months of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and all subsequent years, for future purchases where applicable.

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

Finding Number: 2023-003Condition: HCTD did not have sufficient controls in place to ensure compliance with their procurement policy and appropriate documentation is retained regarding the procurement methodology chosen. Planned Corrective Action: Procurement support is currently provided to HCTD through a contract with Hendrickson Transportation Group. This contract began in January 2024. Under this contract, the Procurement Policies and Procedures Manual and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program are being updated, procurement forms will be created, and training for HCTD staff will be conducted. Contact person responsible for corrective action: Sara Hernandez, Executive Administrator, EEO & Procurement Manager Anticipated Completion Date: 12/31/2025

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.

CONDITION: During my review of Aliquippa School District’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 1) competitive bidding was performed for the purchases of goods or services over $22,500 and 2) a cost or price analysis for purchases in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold ($250,000), or 3) the vendor met the requirements of a ‘sole source provider’ with documentation to support such designation, for the following vendors –– Houghton Mifflin-Harcourt ($509,919), Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit ($419,826), and Smart Solutions ($449,303). CRITERIA: As specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the District 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. In addition, small purchase procedures per 2 CFR 200.320(a)(2)(i) for acquisitions between the micro-purchase threshold (currently $10,000) and the simplified acquisition threshold (current $250,000), price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate. Per 24 PA Statue 8.807.1, there should be three quotes that are either written or well documented. Furthermore, Section 2 CFR 200.320(c’) of the Uniform Guidance details five (5) circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. 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), 200.320(a)(2)(i) and Section CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance regarding the requirement to perform a cost or price analysis for purchases in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold ($250,000), 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, 2) obtaining quotations from three qualified providers where applicable and documenting those results, and 3) properly document purchases using federal assistance when the vendor meets the criteria as a sole source provider. These three (3) updated procedures will be implemented during the remaining months of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and all subsequent years, for future purchases where applicable.

Going forward, the board will vet any grant offers that require a specific vendor with our legal counsel before accepting funds.

2022 – 006 – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Recommendation: The City of Nogales should enhance and/or modify existing controls over procurement, suspension and debarment policies and procedures to ensure adherence to all uniform grant guidance requirements. This could include implementing a more robust checklist that should be completed, signed off by management and included with each procurement which has all required items noted such as cost/price analysis and verification of suspension and debarment of vendors. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Corrective Action Plan: The City will work on creating a checklist for all directors/management to sign off on that will be included in every capital purchase that requires procurement. This will include verification of vendors. Names of contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Mr. Roy Bermudez, City Manager Anticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2025

The School District will follow proper procurement procedures related to food purchases.

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.

The Division Administrator and the Division Director will create a central location for all supporting procurement documentation related to the division. This documentation will include but is not limited to the original RFP, bids, award selection criteria and bid review. Procurement documentation will be stored electronically according to the most current records retention schedule and be made available for review upon request. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: 3/1/2024 Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Danielle Tucker, VDH Division Administrator danielle.tucker@vermont.gov William Moran, VDH Division Director william.moran@vermont.gov Megan Hoke, VDH Financial Director megan.hoke@vermont.gov Peter Moino, AHS Director of Internal Audit peter.moino@vermont.gov

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

CONDITION: The City of McKeesport contracted with a third-party vendor (A&H Equipment) for the purchase of a street sweeper. The contract with the third-party vendor, which was procured through a cooperative purchasing group (COSTARS), exceeded the threshold for competitive procurement. The City was unable to provide documentation to verify that the third-party procurement contract was competitively procured, such as a bid evaluation and public solicitation. In addition, the City did not conduct a cost or price analysis for this procurement, which was in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. CRITERIA: Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance prescribes the bidding requirements for equipment, supplies, and work of any nature made by a non-federal entity whereby the cost exceeds the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. The cost of the street sweeper exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. As specified in 2 CFR 200. 318(i) of the Uniform Guidance, the City must maintain sufficient records 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, Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance requires the performance of a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. MANAGEMENT’S CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN: Management of the City will review and update as necessary its procurement policies to ensure In instances where the procurement cost incurred for goods and/or services exceeds the Uniform Guidance Simplified Acquisition, including such instances whereby the City is using a contract vehicle from a cooperative purchase network, that the City is in compliance with all applicable sections of the Uniform Guidance, in specific, Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. In addition, I recommend that the City conduct a cost or price analysis for all procurement in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000 before receiving bids or proposals in accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.324(a) of the Uniform Guidance. The timeframe for completion of this review will occur during the first nine months of calendar year 2025 with the intention of having the City be in full compliance with Sections 2 CFR 200.318(i) and 2 CFR 200. 324(a) of the Uniform Guidance.

Finding Number: 2022-011 Federal Program, Assistance Listing Number and Name: ALN 14.231, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Emergency Solutions Grant Program, including COVID-19 ALN 20.507 and 20.526, Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Cluster, including COVID-19 Condition: Original Finding Description: During procurement testing, we noted two contracts for which the City did not review sam.gov to ensure the entity was not suspended or debarred. Additionally, we noted one contract for which the City did not perform the required cost-price analysis. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Sandra Yu Stahl Anticipated completion date: June 2023 Planned Corrective Action: The city will review its current procurement policy and implement additional controls as needed to help ensure verification is performed as required and the required processes are followed.

Condition: For one of six (16.7%) procurements selected for testing exceeded the Simplified Acquisition Threshold ($250,000) and a cost or price analysis was not performed. Corrective Action Plan: EA recognizes that although key decision-makers were involved in this procurement decision and approval, we did not follow the required procedures. To prevent this error in the future, we will review our procurement policy and confirm internal team ownership of the various required elements. Those internal teams will receive procurement training. Final signers will review and confirm that the required steps have taken place before finalizing a procurement. Responsible Person for Corrective Action Plan: Betsy Spore, Director of Finance and Accounting. Implementation Date for Corrective Action Plan: 09/01/2023

Finding Number: 2022-002 Planned Corrective Action: See Below Anticipated Completion Date: 01/05/2023 Responsible Contact Person: Brian Haines, Treasurer 1. The Treasurer will educate all responsible parties (Director of Curriculum, Assistant Superintendent, Accounts Payable, Superintendent) in the District regarding to Federal Procurement requirements. 2. The Treasurer will ensure that all requests follow the Districts Purchasing Procedures, as well as the Federal Procurement Requirements.

The Fiscal Officer and management company have reviewed the description of the issues and are taking steps to put stronger documentation procedures in place that will support the evaluation and selection of vendors paid from Federal programs. With respect to these specific purchases in FY22, we are confident that if the process had been appropriately documented, we would have reached similar conclusions about who was ultimately selected as the vendor for these projects. We believe the corrective actions we are taking will put us in full compliance with 2 CFR part 200 and the School?s Federal Procurement Policy in future periods.

Corrective Action Plan for Finding IC2022-001: Financial Reporting Accomack County understands the repeat finding regarding financial reporting. In our response in FY 21 to this comment we stated ?through the addition of one FTE in the FY 23 year, staff training in particular content areas such as financial reporting, pensions and OPEB reporting, and some realignment of duties with existing staff, we are able to continue internally prepared financial reports through the year and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) properly and timely?. As an update, we have not been able to make a hire at this time, and have chosen to reformat the position to non-entry level and re-advertise in the spring of 2023. While an additional resource will be helpful, existing staff understanding of timing, and year- end financial reporting will continue to be both ongoing, and a priority. Accomack County Finance continues to consider financial reporting, including the year-end annual financial report a core competency and are open to suggestions in processes or protocols that will advance our capacity and capability in this area from Brown Edwards. As part of this response, County finance recognizes we are responsible for timely and accurate reporting which includes Accomack County Public Schools (ACPS) financial information and all other component units in the ACFR. As we are currently staffed, we do not have capacity for review of ACPS financial work through the year and have previously relied on their finance department. Unfortunately, that has caused delays, findings and revisions to financial exhibits several times at year end for corrections noted by the auditors. The County will explore options for reducing the aforementioned problems and thereby improving this issue as relates the ACPS financial information. Lastly, a component of the delay in FY 22 was the Landfill Closure/Post-closure liability in conjunction with Department of Environmental Quality. We have begun a specific time-line in coordination with the Deputy Director for Public Works, who has responsibility over the landfill and south transfer station so that finance has complete and approved cost information (through the DEQ process) prior to year-end each year, or just after year-end (timely). Responsible Official: Michael T. Mason, CPA, County Administrator mmason@co.accomack.va.us (757-787-5716); estimated completion date of not later than July1, 2023 for the new hire. Corrective Action Plan for Finding FA-2022-001: Procurement Accomack County Public Schools concurs with the need to maintain its Procurement Policy in concurrence with 2 CFR Part 200. The schools will review and update procurement policies to be in compliance. Responsible Official: Chris Holland, Accomack County Public Schools Superintendent, chris.holland@accomack.k12.va.us, (757)787-5759; Estimated completion date is not later than the May, 2023 School Board meeting.

2022-004 Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds ? Assistance Listing No. 21.027 - Procurement 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: The Finance Manager will implement a Federal Procurement Checklist. The Finance Manager will provide the checklist to the finance committee to complete and approve for federal spending. Name of the contact persons responsible for corrective action: Jill Johnson, Finance Manager, and Department Heads and Elected Officials Planned completion date for corrective action plan: December 1, 2023

FINDING 2022-005 Craig Wright (765)747-4828 Views of Responsible Official: We concur with the findings. 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.

Action taken in response to finding: A Federal Procurement Checklist which addresses the above finding has been distributed to all County departments who receive grant funding. The County will implement this Checklist into its internal County Procurement Ordinance, Procurement policies & Procedures, and Grant Administration forms. 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, 2023