Higher Education Institutional Aid – Assistance Listing No. 84.031 Condition: Time and Effort documentation were not being documented and reviewed timely. Recommendation: We recommend that the Institution strengthen its internal controls to ensure that Time and Effort are documented, expenditures ar...
Higher Education Institutional Aid – Assistance Listing No. 84.031 Condition: Time and Effort documentation were not being documented and reviewed timely. Recommendation: We recommend that the Institution strengthen its internal controls to ensure that Time and Effort are documented, expenditures are reviewed and adjusted for, if necessary, in a timely manner. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: In June 2024, we successfully implemented a new ERP system designed to automate the documentation of Time and Effort. This system streamlines the process by capturing and organizing data more efficiently, reducing manual effort and enhancing accuracy. As part of the implementation, we have established a process for regular reviews and adjustments of expenditures, ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining the integrity of financial records. We are providing comprehensive training for relevant staff members, focusing on how to utilize the new system effectively. This training will ensure that documentation is completed in a timely, accurate, and consistent manner, minimizing the risk of errors and improving overall operational efficiency. Moving forward, we will continue to monitor the system's performance and provide ongoing support to ensure its success. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Miliani Sinclair Planned completion date for corrective action plan: April 2025 igher Education Institutional Aid– Assistance Listing No. 84.031 Condition: Coppin State did not determine the suspension and debarment status on vendors with expenditures exceeding $25,000 during the fiscal year as required by federal regulations. Recommendation: The University should evaluate their current procedures and determine if they are adequate to prevent the finding from reoccurring. Policies and procedures should reiterate the three options for determining suspension and debarment status listed in 2 CFR 180.300. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: Coppin State University has implemented a process as of May 2023 to ensure the SAMs.gov exclusion website is reviewed to determine the suspension and debarment status of its vendors, and documentation of that review is maintained. We will review SAM.Gov for expenditures exceeding $25,000 during the fiscal year as required by federal regulations. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Thomas Dawson, AVP Procurement and Business Services Planned completion date for corrective action plan: The process to address the current finding will be implemented April 2025. Higher Education Institutional Aid– Assistance Listing No. 84.031 Condition: Morgan State University did not determine the suspension and debarment status on vendors with expenditures exceeding $25,000 during the fiscal year as required by federal regulations. Recommendation: The University should evaluate their current procedures and determine if they are adequate to prevent the finding from reoccurring. Policies and procedures should reiterate the three options for determining suspension and debarment status listed in 2 CFR 180.300. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding The Procurement department is testing that vendors are not listed as suspended or debarred, however no documentation was retained as proof. As a result, procedures will be expanded to specify the documentation process to demonstrate compliance with the Federal regulations. The procedure will emphasize the importance of a time stamp from the SAM.GOV verification. Name(s) of the contact person(s) responsible for corrective action: Nehemiah Yisrael Planned completion date for corrective action plan: April 11, 2025 igher Education Institutional Aid– Assistance Listing No. 84.031 Condition: University of Maryland Eastern Shore did not determine the suspension and debarment status on vendors with expenditures exceeding $25,000 during the fiscal year as required by federal regulations. Recommendation: The University should evaluate their current procedures and determine if they are adequate to prevent the finding from reoccurring. Policies and procedures should reiterate the three options for determining suspension and debarment status listed in 2 CFR 180.300. Explanation of disagreement with audit finding: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Action taken in response to finding: UMES procurement office has updated its policy and procedures to implement the recommendation from the audit finding. UMES procurement office will adhere and follow the steps laid out in 2 CFR 180.300 which states an entity may determine suspension and debarment status by:(a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.