Corrective Action Plans

Views of Responsible Officials and Action Taken: We agree with the finding and recommendation and have implemented a verification step in our vendor approval and onboarding process which requires all vendors to be run through the SAM website and debarment search. We also require an annual verification to be performed for all vendors.

Management will develop, adopt and implement a procurement policy for federal purchases that aligns with the requirement of the 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance. This process will include steps within the interview and application process to ensure contractors and subrecipients are eligible (not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded) to enter into an agreement, contract, or subaward with the City. The process will also include steps to ensure all necessary language, such as the Buy America Build America Provisions are included in the final contracts.

Management of the Town will work to adopt a formal procurement policy that is in compliance with Federal Uniform Guidance and State requirement. The Town will also assign a federal procurement leader that will help determine requirements for federal versus nonfederal awards as well as ensuring the Town's new procurement policy is followed.

Management of the City will work to adopt a formal procurement policy that is in compliance with Federal Uniform Guidance and State requirements. The City will also assign a federal procurement leader that will help determine requirements for federal versus nonfederal awards as well as ensuring the City’s new procurement policy is followed.

Finding 2023-003: Procurement The auditors noted the following areas for improvement: ● The SDA did not perform timely debarment or suspension checks for some contractors hired. ● The SDA could not justify the rationale for selection of 2 awarded contracts as part of the BGS request for qualification process. ● Note: The auditors provided a suggested recommendation to update all 1099 contract language to include reference to the specific 2 CFR 200 Appendix II reference. The auditors recommend the following: 1. Management should adhere to written procurement policies and maintain sufficient documentation, including justification memos and debarment/suspension verification, to support federally funded procurement decisions. SDA Response The SDA accepts the above findings with notes on those findings, and would like to add the following information for context: • Stronger implementation and compliance efforts are required from Management to ensure the adopted procurement procedures are followed. SDA Corrective Actions The SDA is implementing a new checklist tool to bolster compliance. This checklist will help the Director of Finance and Administration identify and correct any missing compliance well in advance of the next audit. In addition, Management is implementing a new quarterly review process to assess both compliance and financial accounts. The new quarterly review process will ensure documentation is maintained and accounted for each transaction, particularly for restricted grants, to minimize any post-close adjustments. The combination of both the new checklist tool and review process will support continued timeliness and eliminate this finding in future audits. The Director of Finance and Administration will also meet with all business line leads to provide additional training and support on the procurement process, including requesting additional information for all active contracts for 2024. Lastly, Management will immediately update 1099 contract agreements to include specific CFR language in 1099 as suggested by the auditors.

Corrective Action Planned: We will review the Uniform Guidance Standards and update the procedures needed to be in full accordance. Name(s) of Contact Person(s) Responsible for Corrective Action: Lynette Bacchus will make the changes and John Pinto and Lawrence Boord will approve. Anticipated Completion Date: October 31, 2024.

FINDING 2023-002 (Auditor Assigned Reference Number) Finding Subject: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: The Town's policies related to SLFRF suspension and debarment requirement did not include checking the EPLS for vendor suspension and debarment. All three covered transactions tested did not have documentation provided to show the vendor was checked for suspension and debarment. Additionally, the Town did not have a formalized procurement policy outlining its processes and procedures with regards to the procurement of goods and services using federal grant funds. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Matt Sumner Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 317-732-4532, msumner@whitestown.in.gov Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: We will be more diligent in finding out if our grants are federal and what requirements they have for us to follow. We will check applicable vendors for suspension and debarment and implement a control/review over those searches. Anticipated Completion Date: November 1, 2024

Additional training and review of the procurement process will take place. This office will coordinate with other departments with training and expectations.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. recognizes the importance of implementing a procurement process in accordance with 2 CFR 200.318(a). The International Team (with feedback from the Finance Team), will adopt an updated procurement process with procedures to address various methods of procurement and ensure all vendors entered a covered transaction are not debarred, suspended,or otherwise excluded. The procurement policy was updated; however, it did not take effect until the 2024 fiscal year due to the finalization of the 2022 audit, which occurred near the end of the 2023

FINDING 2023-003 Finding Subject: COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY - PROCUREMENT AND SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT. Summary of Finding: There were deficiencies in the internal control system of the City resulting in noncompliance with the grant’s procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Ashley Huffman Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 765-521-6803 nccityclerk@gmail.com Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The City did not follow its policy for Federal Grant Disbursements. The Clerk Treasurer's office will ensure compliance with the Procurement requirement. The City has implemented maintaining contract files with the Deputy Clerk Treasurer reviewing to ensure they contain documentation of the history of the procurement, including the rationale for the method of procurement and selection of the vendor. Anticipated completion date: September 1, 2024

FINDING 2023-005 Finding Subject: COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: Procurement - Policy The County had not established a purchasing policy that would reflect applicable state laws and regulations including procedures to avoid acquisition of unnecessary or duplicative items, procedures to ensure that all solicitations incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured and did not maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts. Procurement – Small Purchases The County had one vendor that was identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeding the $50,000 micro-purchase threshold. The one vendor was selected for testing. For the one vendor, the County 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. Suspension and Debarment One covered transaction paid with SLFRF grant funds was identified during the audit period. The covered transaction totaled $66,000 with $46,752 paid in the audit period. Upon review, the County had not performed procedures to ensure the vendor was not suspended or debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified, from participation in federal assistance programs or activities at any time during the audit period Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Bryan Lewis Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 574-223-4764 and blewis@co.fulton.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The County will work on establishing a purchasing policy which will address federal procurement requirements. Before entering into contracts we will ensure the procurement procedures in the policy are followed and obtain quotes for vendors that meet the small purchase threshold as well as verify the suspension and debarment status. The Commissioners and Auditor’s office will work together to ensure requirements are met before payment is processed. Anticipated Completion Date: No later than December 31, 2024

Finding 2023-001 Procurement, Suspension and Debarment (Repeat Finding 2022-001 and 2021-001) Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Program: 21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) Questioned Cost: N/A Corrective Action: a. The Purchasing Manual was revised in 2023 to incorporate procedures relating to suspension and debarment checks. Purchasing will communicate and reinforce its procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable requirements by: Provide revised Purchasing Manual to staff with yearly reminder from Purchasing and Community Development Federal Grants Manager. b. City staff will work with the City’s Purchasing Department to follow and adhere to applicable Procurement procedures. c. Ensure all departments are following applicable procedure in a uniform manner. Contact Person: Hitesh Desai, Chief Financial Officer Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2024

FINDING 2023-004 Finding Subject: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: The County entered into an interlocal agreement with the City of Sullivan to procure services for a Sewer Lift Station Improvement/Line Extension to the New County Jail project. The County could not provide any documentation required to verify compliance with the procurement and Suspension and Debarment requirements for the SWIF funds spent on the project. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Amy Scarbrough Contact Phone Number and Email Address: (812)268-4491 ascarbrough@sullivancounty.in.gov Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The County will adopt a procurement policy. In addition, the County will work with the City of Sullivan to obtain the necessary documentation related to the interlocal agreement and maintain the documentation for future audit periods. Anticipated Completion Date: October, 2024

FINDING 2023-002 Finding Subject: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: The County had not implemented procurement policy or procedures for procuring goods and services paid with Federal funds. The County did not have policies or procedures in place to verify that the entities which they entered into covered transactions were not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Four out of seven covered transactions were selected for testing, and none of the contractors’ suspension or debarment statuses were checked prior to payment. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Pia O’Connor Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 812-379-1510 and pia.oconnor@bartholomew.in.gov Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: The Auditor’s Office will continue to work with the Commissioner’s Office and other county departments to improve upon the process of administering the COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. The County implemented a Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Policy; however it did not specifically reference federal funds. The County will amend the current policy to include the necessary verbiage and information related to the federal funds. By establishing this system of Internal Controls and developing the proper policies and procedures, this should help ensure contractors and sub recipients, as appropriate are not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded prior to entering any contacts or sub awards. Anticipated Completion Date: December 31, 2024

Program 66.958 Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Award No: WIFIA-N18147WI Award Year: 2023 Finding 2023-001: Procurement policy and related contract Repeat finding of 2022-001Waukesha Water utility management has worked closely with WIFIA to craft contracts that include all necessary language prior to releasing RFPs for construction contracts. WIFIA was presented all service contracts to review prior to reimbursements received in fiscal year 2023. The finance department is working to update the procurement policy to ensure necessary federal language is included. The finance department will also work with service contractors to execute contract addendums

FINDING 2023-004 Finding Subject: COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: Suspension and Debarment – Allen County did not have documentation that vendors’ suspension and debarment status were verified through either a) checking the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), b) collecting a certification, or c) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction agreement. Procurement – Allen County did not ensure purchases between $10,000 and $150,000 had received the adequate number of quotes or documented why an adequate number of quotes was not received. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Chris Cloud, Chief of Staff Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 260-449-4752 / chris.cloud@allencounty.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: To correct Finding 2023-004 for Suspension and Debarment, the Chief of Staff to the Board of Commissioners will check the EPLS on SAM.gov every time a contract is placed before the Board of Commissioners for signature not containing the appropriate suspension and debarment language or a county department starts a project with a vendor using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). If a vendor is not found in EPLS, a certification will be solicited from the vendor prior to contract signing or purchase of goods or services verifying that they have not been suspended or disbarred. A new verification must be sought for every contract or purchase. Documentation will be kept on file by the Controller to the Board of Commissioners who is responsible for reviewing claims submitted for payment utilizing SLFRF. To correct Finding 2023-004 for Procurement, the Chief of Staff to the Board of Commissioners will instruct departments who may be spending between $10,000-$150,000 of SLFRF that price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. When departments submit a claim to the Controller of the Board of Commissioners for payment, they must also provide a cover sheet outlining a) rationale for the method of procurement, b) copies of quotes received, and c) a justification for the selected vendor. This information will be reviewed and if everything is in order, the cover sheet will be uploaded, along with the accompanying invoices, in the Workflow payment system as part of the record. Anticipated Completion Date: This CAP will be completed by December 31, 2024

Finding 2023-001 Internal Control over Procurement Name of Contact Person: Francis Norman Corrective Action: Procurement Policy will be updated and followed Proposed Completion Date: 7/18/2024

93.493 Congressional Directives Complete documentation of vendor suspension and disbarment verification was not maintained. While outside vendor verification services were performed monthly, adequate documentation for all vendors is not provided, only vendors with suspension or disbarment issues are identified and communicated to management. Management will coordinate with appropriate departments to review federal provisions for grant procurement and adjust policies and procedures to comply. Management will work with appropriate departments and the outside vendor to identify all grant related vendors and request positive verification monthly. All grant project directors will be educated on the procurement requirements for all federal awards. Contact Person: Jane Hardy – VP Corporate Accounting jane.hardy@childrens.com Expected Completion Date: December 31, 2024

FINDING 2023-001 Finding Subject: Special Education Cluster – Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Summary of Finding: The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for the four vendors tested that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. There was no evidence of the School Corporation verifying two vendors tested for Suspension and Debarment that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Matt Miles Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 317-423-8380 mattmiles@msdlt.k12.in.us Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan: This is a repeat finding due to the immediate timing of the prior audit and a lag for new controls to take effect. The School District will obtain 3 quotes or do a bid process in the future. If there is limited availability, we will document the reason 3 quotes are not possible. Additionally, the District will check for suspension and debarment, create a write-up of our findings, and obtain Board approval for the contract. Anticipated Completion Date: Corrective action steps have been implemented and will be refreshed.

The Board acknowledges the finding related to procurement practices under Finding 2023-001. We recognize the importance of adhering to federal procurement requirements, specifically those outlined in 2 CFR 200.319(d), to ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of federal funds. Management will review and update policies to ensure they align with federal regulations specified in 2 CFR 200.319(d) and will provide training to relevant personnel on federal procurement requirements.

Contact Person – Lisa Prachar, VP/CFO Corrective Action Plan – East Central Energy and Subsidiaries is currently developing a written procurement plan that adheres to minimum standards. Completion Date – December 31, 2024

Effective immediately, our management company changed the process that office managers get invoices submitted and paid, which will guarantee the Chief Financial Analyst gets financial statements out before the 15th of each month. This will allow time to get the quarterly reports completed and sent to the USDA.

Management will strengthen its processes and internal control to ensure that report of expenditures is reviewed by Finance prior to submission and only includes expenditures incurred in the period. In addition, Management will amend its procurement policy to ensure the policy includes the required regulations as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations in relation to Federal Awards and that all relevant documentation will be retained. Christopher Caulfield, Executive Director of Financial Operations, will effectuate the corrective action plan, which is anticipated to be completed by December 31, 2024. caulfieldc@sjhmc.org 973-754-2016

FINDING 2023-003 Finding Subject: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Summary of Finding: The City did not obtain price or rate quotes for the one vendor tested that was less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. The micro-purchase threshold may be increased, but the City did not provide documentation that the threshold had been increased. Documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. A population of 9 covered transactions for goods or services were paid from Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund funds during the audit period. A sample of 3 transactions were selected for testing. Of the 3 transactions tested, 1 vendor was not verified to not suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified from participating in federal assistance programs or activities. Contact Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Craig Wright - Controller Contact Phone Number and Email Address: 765-747-4828 cwright@muncie.in.gov Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with the finding. 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.

Title of result and comment:: Frankton FINDING 2023‐003 Contact person Responsible for Corrective Action: First Name: Timothy Last Name: Detrick Contact’s Phone Number:: (765) 754‐7285 Contact’s Email Address:: tdetrickct@gmail.com Views of Responsible Official:: We concur with the finding. Description of Corrective Action Plan:: All contract we make will start going through, Checking SAM Exclusions; or Collecting a certification from that person; or Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person". We will also add a clause that any Federal Government Grant will buy America Preference Material. Anticipated Completion Date: Year: 2024 Month: 5 Day: 14 If applicable: Document reason issue will NOT be corrected within 6 months:: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 32 Unit Name: Town of Frankton County: Madison Report period beginning date: Year: 2023 Month: 1 Day: 1 Report period ending date: Year: 2023 Month: 12 Day: 31