Corrective Action Plans

Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Description of Finding Coventry Public School’s procurement standards do not include the essential elements as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Statement of Concurrence or Nonconcurrence Management concurs with the finding. Corrective Action Coventry Public Schools will review the district’s current purchasing policy and make sure that it is following the criteria as set out in the 2 CFR sections 200.318 and 200.326. The policy will then be updated and communicated to all personnel involved in the procurement process. Name of Contact Person Christopher Deverna, CPA, Director of Finance, Coventry Public Schools Projected Completion Date June 30, 2025

Finding Number: 2022-006 Condition: Policies and procedures in place over procurement, suspension, and debarment are not in conformance with Uniform Guidance. Additionally, the Organization did not procure in accordance with the regulations, including maintaining records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction nor did they comply with suspension and debarment rules. Planned Corrective Action: Management will implement written policies and procedures over procurement, suspension, and disabarment that conform with Uniform Guidance Contact person responsible for corrective action: Chief Financial Officer Anticipated Completion Date: 06/30/2025

2022-004 Procurement Criteria: The Town must follow the procurement standards set out at 2CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326. This requires bids to be obtained for purchases ranging from $10,000 - $250,000. The Town currently has policies in place to utilize the state library which is a listing of approved vendors for potential purchases of over $50,000. The CFR does allow an entity to increase the lower limit from $10,000 to $50,000 in certain circumstances. One of the conditions is that the entity qualifies as a lowrisk entity. The Town currently does not qualify as low risk; therefore, the Town does not qualify for the increase of the lower limit from $10,000 to $50,000. Sole source vendors are the exception to this rule. Condition: The Town did not obtain three bids for over $10,000 purchases. Did use the state library to identify eligible vendors but failed to obtain the required three bids. Cause: The Town relied on the state library which is not an approved listing according to the CFR. Effect: The Town is not in compliance with 2CFR Section 200.318 through 200.326 and therefore, the Town has the possibility of not being able to renew contracts in the future. Recommendation: We recommend that the Town obtain the required three bids for purchases over $10,000. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Town has hired an Asset Support Specialist to help ensure compliance with such requirements and understands the importance of meeting the requirements.

Contact Person Dan Juve Planned Corrective Action The District will implement the recommendation from Brady Martz. Planned Completion Date The planned completion date will be the start of fiscal year 2023.

Although the PILC verifies the suspension and debarment status of every vendor for potential purchases above $150,000, we had not been routinely printing documentation verifying this process. In the future, the School will be printing off evidence of a dated keyword search to demonstrate that a vendor is not listed on the www.SAM.gov suspension/debarment list for procurement purposes.

Management concurs with the audit finding. The City will develop written policies and procedures for procurement, including the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.326 Contract provisions. Management will evaluate the need to contract with local government consultants to perform control procedures where City personnel are not available or qualified to perform.

The City has identified federal grants subject to the Uniform Guidance and will develop written policies and procedures which include the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.326 Contract provisions.

Material weakness in internal control over compliance with procurement procedures meeting the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200. Management Response: We acknowledge the finding and provide the following corrective action plan. Corrective Action Plan: • PDA worked with Clark Nuber team to revise and update the procurement policy to be in-line with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards procurement standards. Anticipated completion date: Third quarter 2024 Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Co-Executive Directors, Directors, Finance team

Finding No. 2022-006 KCHC agrees and acknowledges the findings related to procurement and suspension and debarment compliance. Since the hiring of new procurement personnel in September 2024, the Finance head has been actively providing regular training to procurement and finance staff, ensuring they are well-versed in federal regulations. Additionally, KCHC has implemented enhanced systems for procurement management and documentation. 1. Onboarding and Training for New Procurement Personnel: The new procurement personnel will undergo comprehensive training on KCHC's procurement policies, federal regulations (2 CFR Part 200), and the use of ProcurementExpress and DocuSign systems. This training ensures the new staff member adheres to procurement procedures, including proper documentation. 2. Ongoing Training for Procurement and Finance Staff: Regular training sessions are conducted to reinforce awareness of federal procurement regulations and KCHC’s internal policies. The focus will be on maintaining adequate documentation, ensuring open competition in procurement processes, and complying with suspension and debarment regulations. 3. Strengthening Monitoring and Internal Audits: KCHC will continue to enhance internal monitoring and audit activities. The Finance department will collaborate with procurement personnel to review all transactions, ensuring that procurement packages include price quotes, purchase orders, and contracts as required. Internal audits will be performed regularly to identify and rectify any documentation gaps. 4. Optimizing Existing Systems: The integration of ProcurementExpress with the accounting system and the use of DocuSign for approval routing will be fully utilized to ensure that all procurement steps are documented and compliant with federal standards. These systems will also ensure that records are readily available during audits. 5. Addressing Repeat Findings: To address the repeat nature of this finding, KCHC will closely monitor the implementation of corrective actions. The accountant will lead efforts to track procurement documentation compliance, providing regular reports to CFO to ensure that procurement activities align with both federal and internal requirements. Implementation Timeline: Completed as of September 30, 2024 with continued updates and monitoring. Responsible person: Arlene Deleon Guerrero, CFO

Department of the Treasury, Passed through North Dakota State Water Commission Federal Financial Assistance Listing 21.027 COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Discal Recovery Funds Procurement, Suspension, Debarment Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance Finding Summary: The District did not have a written policy on procurement that satisfied the requirements of 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Responsible Individuals: General Manager (Vacant) and Jan Lee, Office Manager Corrective Action Plan: The District will review the applicable 2 CFR 200 sections and implement procedures necessary to ensure compliance with all of these requirements Anticipated Completion: December 31, 2024

Federal Program Name/Assistance Listing Title: Federal Transit Cluster Federal Assistance Listing Number: 20.507 State Program Name: State Urbanized Area Formula Program, State Formula Grants For Rural Areas Contact Person: Ted Ross, Acting Executive Director Anticipated Completion Date: 1/1/2025 Planned Corrective Action: The Transit District has changed most of the personnel in Finance and Administration, which improved expertise and performance. The Transit District is also working on a new comprehensive Finance and Administration policy which will include all new controls implemented. Procurement procedures will be updated and strengthened in the new policy including ensuring documentation of quotes and suspension and disbarment are checked, reviewed, and documented in the procurement file.

Finding 2022-003 Finding Summary: In testing of procurement, suspension, and debarment, the auditors noted that the City’s procurement policy followed state law which is some cases is less restrictive than federal law. They also noted that the policy does not include the required contract provisions that are needed in contracts with federal grants. Responsible Individuals: Douglas Heinrich, Finance Officer Corrective Action Plan: We will assess if we need to adopt a policy for procurement if we receive federal grants in the future. We will be aware of the contract requirements to ensure they are included in contracts which involve federal money. Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2024

Finding 2022-002 – Special Education Cluster – AL No.’s 84.027 & 84.173 Department of Education Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Noncompliance and Significant Deficiency Related to Internal Control over Compliance of the Major Programs Criteria: Non‐federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. As governmental subrecipients of states are also required to use the same state procurement policies and procedures for federal funds as for non‐federal funds, the Town is required to follow Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter (MGL) 30(b). MGL 30(b) requires the solicitation of three written or oral quotes for procurements of supplies between $10,000 and $49,999 and sealed bids or proposals for procurements of supplies $50,000 and over. Management of the Town is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over compliance with federal requirements that have a direct and material effect on a federal program. A deficiency in internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation of a control over compliance does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a federal program on a timely basis. Condition and Context: During fiscal year 2022, the Town did not comply with the required procurement policies and procedures process for procurements that exceeded both State and Federal thresholds. Questioned Costs: Unknown Cause: Weaknesses in the design and operation of controls. Effect or Potential Effect: Due to the weaknesses in internal controls noted above, there is a risk that amounts charged to federal awards may not be in accordance with procurement, suspension, and debarment principles. No known questioned costs are reported, as it is not quantifiable. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Yes, finding number 2021-002 Recommendation: The Town should address the weaknesses in internal controls noted above in order to ensure that procurements are conducted in accordance with federal and state requirements. Managements Response: The Town and Schools have Acushnet’s Federal Grant Procedures Manual (February 2023) to ensure that procurements are conducted in accordance with Federal and State requirements – in particular, the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 Responsible for Corrective Plan: Patrick McIntyre, School Business Manager Estimated Completion Date: Fiscal Year 2024 Action Taken: Procurements are conducted in accordance with Acushnet’s Federal Grant Procedures Manual which abide by Federal and State requirements – in particular, the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326

The administration will review the procurement policy in the next management meeting. Division Directors will review the procurement policy with all Program Directors and Managers. Also, see actions for 2022-017

FINDING 2021/2022-011: Wage Rate Compliance Response: The District will implement internal controls to ensure compliance requirements of all federal funds received. Contractors will be required to submit certified payroll records to demonstrate they are complying with prevailing wages if the project is paid with federal funds.

District subsequently sought and obtained CDE approval for the expenditures identified in finding 2022-003.District has initiated a procedure where any requisitions for purchases utilizing Federal funds are routed through the Director of state and federal programs prior to being approved. The director of state and federal programs, prior to approving the purchase requisition, will obtain approval from the CDE. All contracts utilizing federal funds will include language related to Federal wage rate requirements. The supervisor of Purchasing will be tasked with ensuring the contract language is present in agreements for services utilizing Federal funds.

Recommendation: We recommend that the College ensure its policies and procedures over procurement are being enforced to ensure reasonable prices and rates. Specifically, the College should consider training employees that regulations do apply when a single vendor is being used for a good or service, yet the charges are split amongst various funding sources.Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.Action in Response to Finding: The College will implement training and procedural changes during the grant budgeting process and in the post-award process to ensure documentation of reasonable prices and rates to include training related to handling vendors who may be used across multiple funding sources.Name of the contact person responsible for corrective action: Tess Powers, Director of Faculty Research Support (719) 389-6318Planned completion date for corrective action plan: May 1, 2023

Recommendation: The auditors recommend the University implement controls to ensure all employees making federal purchases on behalf of the University are aware of the University?s documented procurement policy that is in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200. In addition, they recommend the University document its standard of conduct that covers conflicts of interest and governs the performance of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts.Planned Corrective Action: Heritage University agrees to put procedures in place to make certain that every employee making federal purchases on the University's behalf is aware of the University's written procurement policy, which complies with 2 CFR Part 200. Additionally, the University is to formalize its code of conduct, which addresses conflicts of interest and establishes expectations for staff members involved in contract administration, selection, and award.Name of Responsible Party:1. Dr. Andrew Sund, President2. Thomas Richter, VP of Administration/CFO3. Melissa Hill, Interim Provost4. Corey Hodge, Interim VP of Academic AffairsAnticipated Completion Date: June 30, 2023

Federal Agency Name: Department of State ? Bureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationProgram Name: Oversees Refugee Assistance Programs for AfricaCFDA #19.517Federal Agency Name: Agency for International DevelopmentDepartment of StateProgram Name: USAID Foreign Assistance for Programs OverseasCFDA #98.001Finding Summary: CVT has documented procurement procedures that conform to applicable federal standards; however, the procedures were not followed regarding maintaining documentation of obtaining quotes for simplified acquisition small purchases and the conclusion as to which item was selected. In addition, CVT was not testing vendors for suspension and debarment.Responsible Individuals: James Behnke, CFO and Mary Kinder, ControllerCorrective Action Plan: Management will maintain adequate supporting documentation and records to document history, methods of procurement, and documentation to support check for suspension and debarment. This will be maintained for all formal written vendor contracts.Anticipated Completion Date: July 2023

Plan of Action: Provide policy F2.0 Materials Management, F2.01 Vendor Selection & Discount, and F2.03 Inventory and Supplies, which were not provided to the auditor due to the organization’s operational error in financial policy classification. Additionally, the F2.02 Capital and Equipment policy was drafted in 2021 but needs to be signed by the organizational board on May 24, 2024. The organization acknowledges that the procurement policy was not followed for one vendor procurement in 2022 due to an administrative error. Going forward this policy will be strictly followed. Date of implementation: F2 policies was implemented on 6/1/21 and updated on 6/1/2024

The County will develop written policies and procedures for procurement, including the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.326 Contract provisions. Management will evaluate the need to contract with local government consultants to perform control procedures where County personnel are not available or qualified to perform.

The County has identified federal grants subject to the Uniform Guidance and will develop written policies and procedures which include the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.326 Contract provisions.

Contact Person – Pattie Solberg, City Auditor; Corrective Action Plan – The City will implement a written procurement policy that follows Uniform Guidance and will review vendors for suspension and debarment before entering into covered transactions. Completion Date – April 30, 2024

Management concurs with this finding. Management is reviewing and revising its procurement policies to comply with state and local laws, the standards of the CFR, as well as reflect current operating procedures.

Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance Federal Agency Name: Department of Treasury Pass‐Through Entity: North Dakota Office of Management and Budget Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Program Name: COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Finding Summary: In the testing of procurement, suspension, and debarment it was identified that the City did not have a written policy on procurement that satisfied the requirements of 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Corrective Action Plan: The City has adopted a procurement policy satisfying the requirements of 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326 as of January 8, 2024. Responsible Individuals: Dustin Scott, City Administrator Anticipated Completion Date: January 8, 2024