2024-004 Improve Internal Controls Over Procurement Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Award Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Year: 2024 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Complia...
2024-004 Improve Internal Controls Over Procurement Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Award Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Year: 2024 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.318–200.327, non-federal entities must use their own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards set forth in the Uniform Guidance. For purchases exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, procurement must include documented procedures, full and open competition (unless an exemption applies), and executed contracts. All contracts must be fully executed and amendments provided for any changes to terms or scope. Additionally, any exemption from competitive bidding must be documented, and only applies to the period and scope approved. Suspension and debarment checks must also be performed and documented for covered transactions with vendors. Condition: During our testing of one procurement transaction under the SLFRF program, the Town received an exemption from bidding requirements typically required under Massachusetts’ state law. The exemption was due to an initial emergency procurement; however, expenditures continued to be incurred after the initial emergency ended and the associated contract’s substantial completion date. The Town did not provide contract amendments to extend the contract, nor did it perform additional procurement procedures for expenditures that occurred after the emergency period ended and outside the scope of the exemption. In addition, the contract with the vendor was not countersigned by the Town and therefore a fully executed contract did not exist. Further, suspension and debarment checks for vendors were not retained as required. Cause: The Town did not ensure contracts were fully executed prior to commencement of work, did not maintain documentation or perform procurement for additional expenditures incurred after the completion date of the original contract and outside the scope of the emergency exemption, and did not maintain documentation of required suspension and debarment checks. Effect: Failure to obtain a fully executed contract, perform and document suspension and debarment checks, and appropriately document or procure additional services beyond the contract term increases the risk of noncompliance with federal procurement requirements and may expose the Town to possible unallowable costs, conflicts of interest, or ineligible vendor participation. Recommendation: The Town should implement policies and procedures to ensure all contracts are fully executed prior to work commencement, and any extensions or additional services beyond the original contract are properly documented via contract amendments or appropriate procurement methods in accordance with Uniform Guidance. The Town should also ensure continued monitoring and documentation of procurement exemptions and maintain documentation of all suspension and debarment checks for vendors paid with federal funds. Views of Responsible Official: The Town implemented a purchasing policy to ensure compliance with federal awards required under the uniform guidance. The adopted policy addresses the concerns identified in 2024-004.