Corrective Action Plans

Reference Number: 2024-006 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture State Agency: Agency of Human Services Federal Program: SNAP Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.551, 10.561 Award Number and Year: 4VT400406 (10/1/2022 – 9/30/2023) 4VT402513 (10/1/2023 – 9/30/2024) Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Recommendation: We recommend the Agency review and enhance internal controls and procedures to ensure that it maintains documentation that it competitively procures contracts and that it performs a cost analysis for all procurement actions in accordance with Agency of Administration Bulletin No. 3.5 and federal requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. Corrective Action Plan: Due to the unique nature of a tropical storm hitting Vermont in 2011, which flooded the Waterbury State Office Complex (the Complex), all state operations were forced to temporarily move from the Complex to another facility while damages to the structure were remedied. Due to the significant number of records needing to be moved, the records in question may have been lost in this transition. Since then, we have instituted a new process that requires all bid submissions to be received and stored electronically. All bid submissions, cost analysis, and scoring of the bids are now kept in our electronic files instead of hard copy preventing physical damage or loss of records. Scheduled Completion Date of Corrective Action Plan: Completed and in full effect since December 31, 2020. Contacts for Corrective Action Plan: Melanie Rutledge, Financial Director I melanie.rutledge@vermont.gov Melanie Smit, Administrative Services Director I melanie.smit@vermont.gov Megan Smeaton, Financial Director IV megan.smeaton@vermont.gov Peter Moino, AHS Director of Internal Audit peter.moino@vermont.gov

Management acknowledges the auditor’s finding and agrees with the recommendation. The Organization has developed a Corrective Action Plan to ensure compliance with procurement regulations and strengthen internal controls. This plan outlines specific steps to prevent future occurrences and maintain adherence to federal requirements. The Finance Committee has thoroughly reviewed this finding, and the Board of Directors has subsequently approved the audit, the Organization’s response, and the Corrective Action Plan. Regarding the finding, the Organization paid the amount agreed upon during contract negotiations. The issue identified pertains to the billing methodology rather than the appropriateness of the cost itself. The cost-plus method is a common practice in our geographical area, and the overall project cost was determined to be fair and consistent with industry standards. Moving forward, the Organization is implementing additional internal review procedures to ensure compliance with all federal procurement requirements.

The University acknowledges the audit finding and is committed to ensuring compliance with the procurement requirements outlined in 2 CFR 200.324(a), which mandates that recipients perform a cost or price analysis for every procurement transaction exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. During the audit period, it was identified that 10 out of 25 sampled transactions exceeding the University’s simplified acquisition threshold of $50,000 lacked documented evidence of an independent cost or price analysis. This was due to the University’s existing policy not requiring such documentation for transactions meeting the simplified acquisition threshold. To address this finding and strengthen compliance, the University has initiated the following corrective actions. First, the University is working with leadership to update its procurement policy to increase the simplified acquisition threshold to $250,000, aligning with federal guidelines. This change will ensure that the University’s procurement processes are more consistent with federal standards. Second, a new requirement will be implemented, mandating that a cost or price analysis form be completed and retained for each procurement transaction exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. This form will document the University’s independent cost or price analysis. Third, the University will provide targeted training to procurement staff and relevant stakeholders to ensure understanding and adherence to the updated policy and the new cost or price analysis requirement. This training will emphasize the importance of maintaining contemporaneous documentation in procurement files. Finally, the University will implement enhanced internal controls to ensure that all procurement transactions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold are reviewed and approved by designated leadership, with documented evidence of cost or price analysis retained in the procurement files. The University anticipates having documentation and protocols finalized and implemented by April 2025. Once in place, all FY25 to date will be reviewed to ensure compliance with the updated policy. These corrective actions underscore the University’s commitment to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of its procurement processes. While no questioned costs were identified, the steps outlined above will help ensure ongoing compliance with federal procurement requirements. Primary responsibility for implementing and monitoring this corrective action plan rests with Ashley Frantz, Chief Procurement Officer, 216-368-2595.

Finding Number: 2024-001 Condition: Controls were not sufficient to establish written policies and procedures surrounding procured contracts and to ensure that the history of procurement decisions were documented, as required by 2 CFR 200. Context - Institute's Management did not maintain adequate records for three of the four noncompetitive contracts, including details on procurement history. Additionally, for contracts under both the Research and Development Cluster and the ELC contract, management failed to provide evidence of suspension and debarment checks for contractors before entering into transactions. However, there was no evidence of contractors being suspended or debarred, and no questioned costs were identified. Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the recommendation and will review the relevant guidance to ensure compliance. Necessary revisions will be made to the existing procurement policies and procedures in a timely manner to ensure that procurement decisions are documented, as required by 2 CFR Part 200. Contact person responsible for corrective action: Lavenia Bell, Accounting; Teresa Martinez, Senior Post Award Coordinator; Mariela Romo, Administrator Anticipated Completion Date: 8/31/2025

Type of Finding : Significant Deficiency Over Compliance with Procurement and Suspension Debarment Delta County Joint School District No. 50J had the following regarding internal controls in Nutritional Services: The District did not properly procure one vendor within the Child Nutritional Cluster that incurred questioned costs in excess of the $25,000 threshold, based on 2 CFR 200.516. Delta County Joint School District No. 50J concurs with finding 2024-001 and will implement the following corrective steps: Additional procedures have been put in place, and documentation will be maintained for purchases to satisfy Procurement and Debarment requirements.

Susquehanna Township School District respectfully submits the following corrective action plan for the year ended June 30, 2024. The finding from the schedule of findings and questioned costs is discussed below. The finding is numbered consistently with the numbers assigned in the schedule: A. Compliance Findings Finding 2024-001: Procurement Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-through agency: Pennsylvania Department of Education Assistance Listing Number: 84.425 Education Stabilization Fund; 84.027 IDEA Recommendation: The Subrecipient must implement procedures to fully comply with Uniform Guidance Procurement requirements. View of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Planned: The District will require all payments to have either a purchase order or request for payment form completed. The Accounts Payable Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the form is signed for all disbursements. For the particular item cited by our monitors the Superintendent and Business Manager signed off on the invoice instead of a request for payment form. The District Accountant / Business Office Manager discussed with the Accounts Payable Coordinator that going forward this is insufficient. All payments must have either a purchase order or request for payment form. The District Accountant / Business Office Manager reviews backup documentation for check disbursements. During their review if any payments are discovered to be missing a purchase order or request for payment form, he will notify the Accounts Payable Coordinator to complete the form. This is effective immediately. The District has also reviewed the applicable Uniform Guidance Procurement requirements and has developed an electronic procurement process that all staff member making the purchase with federal funds, must complete a form prior to the procurement being made. Then the Business Manager approves the form. There is a box to check if the procurement is a sole source. If this is checked the Business Manager will require justification. This process was presented by the Business Office to Leadership Personnel on 5/9/24 and is effective now. Person Responsible: Oslwen C. Anderson, Jr., Business Manager OCA Completion Date: June 30, 2024

Condition: The School District did not have sufficient controls in place to ensure compliance with its procurement policy and that appropriate documentation is retained regarding the procurement methodology chosen and support for compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements. Planned Corrective Action: This finding was due to the District having turnover among key personnel in the grants area, as well as non-adherence to policies and procedures related to grant records, grant accounting, and year-end close processes. The District will work with the Materials and Procurement department to ensure policies and procedures are updated and staff is trained. Prior to awarding any contract, District staff will search the federal Excluded Parties List System to determine that the contractor is not suspended or debarred. Documentation of this search will be maintained in the grant procurement file. Contact person responsible for corrective action: Rusty Williams, Interim Financial Officer Anticipated Completion Date: March 31, 2025

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. 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. • 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 School District of the City of Monessen contracted with a third-party vendor (TRANE) for the performance of a construction project at the District. The contract with the third-party vendor, which was procured through a cooperative purchasing group, exceeded the threshold for competitive procurement. The District was unable to provide documentation to verify that the third-party procurement contract was competitively procured, such as a bid evaluation and public solicitation. This is a repeat finding from the 2021-2022 fiscal year – Finding 2022-001. In addition, the District did not conduct a cost or price analysis for this procurement, which was in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $250,000. CRITERIA: 24 Pa. Statutes 751 of the Public School Code and 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 school district whereby the cost exceeds certain dollar thresholds as adjusted annually for an inflation index. The construction project exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. 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.CRITERIA (Continued): 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 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 specifically, Section 2 CFR 200.318(i) of the Uniform Guidance. The timeframe for completion of this process will commence immediately with an anticipated completion date during the 2024-2025 fiscal year and will continue on an ongoing basis as required by new policy directives from oversight agencies. All future procurements will involve a collaboration between the District’s business office and federal programs department to ensure compliance with the District’s updated procurement policies.

Finding Number: 2023-004 Finding Title: Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Program: 21.027 COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Name of Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Kris Vipond, Assistant Finance Director Corrective Action Planned: Directors in departments receiving federal funding will document the history of procurement transactions, including contract selection and rationale, in accordance with federal regulations. They will also verify vendors are not debarred or suspended, or that other exclusions apply prior to entering into contracts and will maintain the appropriate documentation. In addition, they will work with other internal County departments that may purchase on their behalf to document and verify in a similar manner. Anticipated Completion Date: 12/31/2025

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.