2025-001: Academic Programs - Period of Performance (Material Weakness; Noncompliance) Assistance Listing Number/Title: #81.252, Academic Programs Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Energy Award Number: DE-LM0000497 Award Year: October 1, 2023 - March 31, 2025 Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.343, the recipient must incur expenditures within the performance period of the grant award, as indicated in the Assistance Agreement(s). Per 2 CFR 200.344(c), the recipient must liquidate all obligations incurred under the award no later than 120 calendar days after the conclusion of the period of performance. Condition/context: This award closed on March 31, 2025, with a final liquidation date of July 29, 2025. Two expenditures for obligations totaling $69,608 were not incurred by March 31, 2025. Neither expenditure for those obligations was liquidated by July 29, 2025. Cause: Central Wyoming College (the College) originally anticipated this funding to last several more years (beyond March 31, 2025). As such, a long-term project that was funded by this award was ongoing at the end of the award period of performance. Due to external pressures surrounding award closeout, the College requested two pay applications from its contractor for work not yet performed. The College then held checks for each pay application until the related work was completed. Effect: Per 2 CFR 200.339, if a non-Federal entity fails to comply with Federal statutes, regulations, or the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may impose additional conditions, as described in §200.208, Specific Conditions. If the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity determines that noncompliance cannot be remedied by imposing additional conditions, the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may take one or more of the following actions, as appropriate in the circumstances: a. Temporarily withhold payments until the recipient or subrecipient takes corrective action. b. Disallow costs for all or part of the cost of the activity associated with the noncompliance of the recipient or subrecipient. c. Suspend or terminate the Federal award in part or in its entirety. d. Initiate suspension or debarment proceedings as authorized in 2 CFR Part 180 and the Federal agency’s regulations or, for pass-through entities, recommend suspension or debarment proceedings be initiated by the Federal agency. e. Withhold further Federal funds (new awards or continuation funding) for the project or program. f. Pursue other legally available remedies. Questioned costs: $69,608 Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the College work closely with its granting agency to ensure that any unanticipated changes/reductions in funding periods are communicated in time to allow the College to effectively close out the grant, or to obtain permission for funding of expenditures that will not be incurred and/or liquidated timely. Views of responsible officials: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I for corrective action plan.
FINDING 2025-001 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-046-PN01, 22611-046-ARP, 22619-046-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)...." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards:… (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and earmarking compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Services (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22611-046-PN01, 22611-046-ARP, and 22619- 046-ARP grant awards could not be verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The non-public proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per each applicable member schools’ grant award was expended and properly reported to IDOE, as required. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01, 22611-046-ARP, and 22619-046-ARP grant awards which were fully expended during fiscal year 2024. These three grant awards had minimum earmarking requirements for the Non-Public Proportionate Share of $39,016, $9,471, and $533, respectively. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenditures should be retained for audit. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding Number: 2024-001 Federal Program: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2024 Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 21.027 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Compliance Requirement: Reporting – Quarterly Program Reports Pass-through Entity: Ohio Department of Development Repeat Finding: No Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance – Timely Submission of Quarterly Program Reports Criteria: 2 C.F.R. § 200.328 Financial Reporting states, in part, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must collect financial reports no less than annually. The Federal agency or pass-through entity may not collect financial reports more frequently than quarterly unless a specific condition has been implemented in accordance with § 200.208. To the extent practicable, the Federal agency or pass-through entity should collect financial reports in coordination with performance reports. The recipient must submit quarterly program reports as required by the Federal award. In the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement, Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 2, Program Reports, all grant award recipients are required to submit program reports on a quarterly basis. Quarterly program reports must be submitted by close of business, on the second Friday, at the end of each quarter. Condition: The City did not submit the quarter ending December 31, 2024 Quarterly Program Report until March 7, 2025, after the deadline of January 10, 2025. Questioned Costs: None. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Context: Auditor reviewed the Quarterly Program Report for period ending December 31, 2024 via email submission to Ohio Department of Development, and noted the City did not submit the report until March 7, 2025, which was after the deadline of January 10, 2025. These requirements are outlined in the federal award agreement and applicable UG provisions. Cause and Effect: The issue results of lack of monitoring control related to grant reporting requirements. Failure to submit reports as required, could result in non-compliance with grant requirements. Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement procedures and internal deadlines for reviewing and timely submitting all reports under federal awards. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-001 Federal Program: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2024 Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 21.027 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Compliance Requirement: Reporting – Quarterly Program Reports Pass-through Entity: Ohio Department of Development Repeat Finding: No Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance – Timely Submission of Quarterly Program Reports Criteria: 2 C.F.R. § 200.328 Financial Reporting states, in part, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must collect financial reports no less than annually. The Federal agency or pass-through entity may not collect financial reports more frequently than quarterly unless a specific condition has been implemented in accordance with § 200.208. To the extent practicable, the Federal agency or pass-through entity should collect financial reports in coordination with performance reports. The recipient must submit quarterly program reports as required by the Federal award. In the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement, Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 2, Program Reports, all grant award recipients are required to submit program reports on a quarterly basis. Quarterly program reports must be submitted by close of business, on the second Friday, at the end of each quarter. Condition: The City did not submit the quarter ending December 31, 2024 Quarterly Program Report until March 7, 2025, after the deadline of January 10, 2025. Questioned Costs: None. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Context: Auditor reviewed the Quarterly Program Report for period ending December 31, 2024 via email submission to Ohio Department of Development, and noted the City did not submit the report until March 7, 2025, which was after the deadline of January 10, 2025. These requirements are outlined in the federal award agreement and applicable UG provisions. Cause and Effect: The issue results of lack of monitoring control related to grant reporting requirements. Failure to submit reports as required, could result in non-compliance with grant requirements. Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement procedures and internal deadlines for reviewing and timely submitting all reports under federal awards. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-001 Federal Program: COVID-19: SLFRF-Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Federal Award Identification Number and Year: DEV-2021-181504, DEV-2021-181549 Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 21.027 Federal Awarding Agency: Department of Treasury Pass-through Entity: Ohio Department of Development Repeat Finding: No Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance – Reporting Criteria: 2 C.F.R. § 200.328 Financial Reporting states, in part, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must collect financial reports no less than annually. The Federal agency or pass-through entity may not collect financial reports more frequently than quarterly unless a specific condition has been implemented in accordance with § 200.208. To the extent practicable, the Federal agency or pass-through entity should collect financial reports in coordination with performance reports. The recipient must submit quarterly program reports as required by the Federal award. In the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement, Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 2, Program Reports, all grant award recipients are required to submit program reports on a quarterly basis. Quarterly program reports must be submitted by close of business, on the second Friday, at the end of each quarter. In addition, the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 1 states all financial reimbursement requests must be submitted electronically to the Grantor on a monthly basis as costs are incurred. Condition: The Conservancy District did not submit the required Program Report for the first quarter of 2024. In addition, federal financial reimbursement request for December 2023 activity was not submitted until February 2024. Questioned Costs: None. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Context: Through testing of required reporting under terms and conditions of the federal award, we observed the Conservancy District did not meet required timeliness for financial and performance reporting. Specifically, one reimbursement request for costs incurred in December 2023 was delayed until February 2024. The required performance reporting for the first quarter of 2024 was not submitted. These requirements are outlined in the federal award agreement and applicable UG provisions. Cause and Effect: The issue results from a lack of monitoring control related to grant reporting requirements. Failure to submit reports as required, could result in noncompliance with grant requirements. Recommendation: We recommend management implement procedures and internal deadlines for reviewing and timely submitting all reports under federal awards. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-001 Federal Program: COVID-19: SLFRF-Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Federal Award Identification Number and Year: DEV-2021-181504, DEV-2021-181549 Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 21.027 Federal Awarding Agency: Department of Treasury Pass-through Entity: Ohio Department of Development Repeat Finding: No Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance – Reporting Criteria: 2 C.F.R. § 200.328 Financial Reporting states, in part, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must collect financial reports no less than annually. The Federal agency or pass-through entity may not collect financial reports more frequently than quarterly unless a specific condition has been implemented in accordance with § 200.208. To the extent practicable, the Federal agency or pass-through entity should collect financial reports in coordination with performance reports. The recipient must submit quarterly program reports as required by the Federal award. In the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement, Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 2, Program Reports, all grant award recipients are required to submit program reports on a quarterly basis. Quarterly program reports must be submitted by close of business, on the second Friday, at the end of each quarter. In addition, the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 1 states all financial reimbursement requests must be submitted electronically to the Grantor on a monthly basis as costs are incurred. Condition: The Conservancy District did not submit the required Program Report for the first quarter of 2024. In addition, federal financial reimbursement request for December 2023 activity was not submitted until February 2024. Questioned Costs: None. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Context: Through testing of required reporting under terms and conditions of the federal award, we observed the Conservancy District did not meet required timeliness for financial and performance reporting. Specifically, one reimbursement request for costs incurred in December 2023 was delayed until February 2024. The required performance reporting for the first quarter of 2024 was not submitted. These requirements are outlined in the federal award agreement and applicable UG provisions. Cause and Effect: The issue results from a lack of monitoring control related to grant reporting requirements. Failure to submit reports as required, could result in noncompliance with grant requirements. Recommendation: We recommend management implement procedures and internal deadlines for reviewing and timely submitting all reports under federal awards. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-001 Federal Program: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2024 Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 21.027 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Compliance Requirement: Reporting – Quarterly Program Reports Pass-through Entity: Ohio Department of Development Repeat Finding: No Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance – Timely Submission of Quarterly Program Reports Criteria: 2 C.F.R. § 200.328 Financial Reporting states, in part, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must collect financial reports no less than annually. The Federal agency or pass-through entity may not collect financial reports more frequently than quarterly unless a specific condition has been implemented in accordance with § 200.208. To the extent practicable, the Federal agency or pass-through entity should collect financial reports in coordination with performance reports. The recipient must submit quarterly program reports as required by the Federal award. In the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement, Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 2, Program Reports, all grant award recipients are required to submit program reports on a quarterly basis. Quarterly program reports must be submitted by close of business, on the second Friday, at the end of each quarter. Condition: The City did not submit the quarter ending December 31, 2024 Quarterly Program Report until March 7, 2025, after the deadline of January 10, 2025. Questioned Costs: None. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Context: Auditor reviewed the Quarterly Program Report for period ending December 31, 2024 via email submission to Ohio Department of Development, and noted the City did not submit the report until March 7, 2025, which was after the deadline of January 10, 2025. These requirements are outlined in the federal award agreement and applicable UG provisions. Cause and Effect: The issue results of lack of monitoring control related to grant reporting requirements. Failure to submit reports as required, could result in non-compliance with grant requirements. Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement procedures and internal deadlines for reviewing and timely submitting all reports under federal awards. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-001 Federal Program: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2024 Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 21.027 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Compliance Requirement: Reporting – Quarterly Program Reports Pass-through Entity: Ohio Department of Development Repeat Finding: No Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance – Timely Submission of Quarterly Program Reports Criteria: 2 C.F.R. § 200.328 Financial Reporting states, in part, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must collect financial reports no less than annually. The Federal agency or pass-through entity may not collect financial reports more frequently than quarterly unless a specific condition has been implemented in accordance with § 200.208. To the extent practicable, the Federal agency or pass-through entity should collect financial reports in coordination with performance reports. The recipient must submit quarterly program reports as required by the Federal award. In the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement, Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 2, Program Reports, all grant award recipients are required to submit program reports on a quarterly basis. Quarterly program reports must be submitted by close of business, on the second Friday, at the end of each quarter. Condition: The City did not submit the quarter ending December 31, 2024 Quarterly Program Report until March 7, 2025, after the deadline of January 10, 2025. Questioned Costs: None. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Context: Auditor reviewed the Quarterly Program Report for period ending December 31, 2024 via email submission to Ohio Department of Development, and noted the City did not submit the report until March 7, 2025, which was after the deadline of January 10, 2025. These requirements are outlined in the federal award agreement and applicable UG provisions. Cause and Effect: The issue results of lack of monitoring control related to grant reporting requirements. Failure to submit reports as required, could result in non-compliance with grant requirements. Recommendation: We recommend that the City implement procedures and internal deadlines for reviewing and timely submitting all reports under federal awards. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-001 Federal Program: COVID-19: SLFRF-Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Federal Award Identification Number and Year: DEV-2021-181504, DEV-2021-181549 Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 21.027 Federal Awarding Agency: Department of Treasury Pass-through Entity: Ohio Department of Development Repeat Finding: No Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance – Reporting Criteria: 2 C.F.R. § 200.328 Financial Reporting states, in part, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must collect financial reports no less than annually. The Federal agency or pass-through entity may not collect financial reports more frequently than quarterly unless a specific condition has been implemented in accordance with § 200.208. To the extent practicable, the Federal agency or pass-through entity should collect financial reports in coordination with performance reports. The recipient must submit quarterly program reports as required by the Federal award. In the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement, Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 2, Program Reports, all grant award recipients are required to submit program reports on a quarterly basis. Quarterly program reports must be submitted by close of business, on the second Friday, at the end of each quarter. In addition, the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 1 states all financial reimbursement requests must be submitted electronically to the Grantor on a monthly basis as costs are incurred. Condition: The Conservancy District did not submit the required Program Report for the first quarter of 2024. In addition, federal financial reimbursement request for December 2023 activity was not submitted until February 2024. Questioned Costs: None. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Context: Through testing of required reporting under terms and conditions of the federal award, we observed the Conservancy District did not meet required timeliness for financial and performance reporting. Specifically, one reimbursement request for costs incurred in December 2023 was delayed until February 2024. The required performance reporting for the first quarter of 2024 was not submitted. These requirements are outlined in the federal award agreement and applicable UG provisions. Cause and Effect: The issue results from a lack of monitoring control related to grant reporting requirements. Failure to submit reports as required, could result in noncompliance with grant requirements. Recommendation: We recommend management implement procedures and internal deadlines for reviewing and timely submitting all reports under federal awards. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding Number: 2024-001 Federal Program: COVID-19: SLFRF-Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Federal Award Identification Number and Year: DEV-2021-181504, DEV-2021-181549 Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 21.027 Federal Awarding Agency: Department of Treasury Pass-through Entity: Ohio Department of Development Repeat Finding: No Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance – Reporting Criteria: 2 C.F.R. § 200.328 Financial Reporting states, in part, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must collect financial reports no less than annually. The Federal agency or pass-through entity may not collect financial reports more frequently than quarterly unless a specific condition has been implemented in accordance with § 200.208. To the extent practicable, the Federal agency or pass-through entity should collect financial reports in coordination with performance reports. The recipient must submit quarterly program reports as required by the Federal award. In the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement, Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 2, Program Reports, all grant award recipients are required to submit program reports on a quarterly basis. Quarterly program reports must be submitted by close of business, on the second Friday, at the end of each quarter. In addition, the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 1 states all financial reimbursement requests must be submitted electronically to the Grantor on a monthly basis as costs are incurred. Condition: The Conservancy District did not submit the required Program Report for the first quarter of 2024. In addition, federal financial reimbursement request for December 2023 activity was not submitted until February 2024. Questioned Costs: None. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Context: Through testing of required reporting under terms and conditions of the federal award, we observed the Conservancy District did not meet required timeliness for financial and performance reporting. Specifically, one reimbursement request for costs incurred in December 2023 was delayed until February 2024. The required performance reporting for the first quarter of 2024 was not submitted. These requirements are outlined in the federal award agreement and applicable UG provisions. Cause and Effect: The issue results from a lack of monitoring control related to grant reporting requirements. Failure to submit reports as required, could result in noncompliance with grant requirements. Recommendation: We recommend management implement procedures and internal deadlines for reviewing and timely submitting all reports under federal awards. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds - Subrecipient Monitoring Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Federal Program: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listings Number: 21.027 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): SLFRP1096 Compliance Requirement: Subrecipient Monitoring Audit Finding: Material Weakness INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 CITY OF ANDERSON SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context Subrecipients associated with the City's Non-profit, Affordable Housing, and Homeless Initiatives activities funded by the COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds were required to submit reports on program activities either quarterly or monthly. The City did not have adequate internal controls in place designed to ensure that these reports were reviewed. Responsibility for reviewing these reports rested primarily with one employee. For two of three subrecipients tested, we were not able to determine that there was a second employee involved that would ensure that the reports submitted by the subrecipients were reviewed by the City. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.332 states: "All pass-through entities must: (a) Ensure that every subaward is clearly identified to the subrecipient as a subaward and include the following information at the time of the subaward and if any of these data elements change, include the changes in subsequent subaward notification. When some of this information is not available, the pass-through entity must provide the best information available to describe the Federal award and subaward. Required information includes: (1) Federal award identification. (i) Subrecipient name (which must match the name associated with its unique entity identifier); (ii) Subrecipient's unique entity identifier; (iii) Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN); (iv) Federal Award Date (see the definition of Federal award date in § 200.1 of this part) of award to the recipient by the Federal agency; (v) Subaward Period of Performance Start and End Date; INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 CITY OF ANDERSON SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (vi) Subaward Budget Period Start and End Date; (vii) Amount of Federal Funds Obligated by this action by the pass-through entity to the subrecipient; (viii) Total Amount of Federal Funds Obligated to the subrecipient by the passthrough entity including the current financial obligation; (ix) Total Amount of the Federal Award committed to the subrecipient by the passthrough entity; (x) Federal award project description, as required to be responsive to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA); (xi) Name of Federal awarding agency, pass-through entity, and contact information for awarding official of the Pass-through entity; (xii) Assistance Listings number and Title; the pass-through entity must identify the dollar amount made available under each Federal award and the Assistance Listings Number at time of disbursement; (xiii) Identification of whether the award is R&D; and (xiv) Indirect cost rate for the Federal award (including if the de minimis rate is charged) per § 200.414. (2) All requirements imposed by the pass-through entity on the subrecipient so that the Federal award is used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the Federal award; (3) Any additional requirements that the pass-through entity imposes on the subrecipient in order for the pass-through entity to meet its own responsibility to the Federal awarding agency including identification of any required financial and performance reports. (4) (i) An approved federally recognized indirect cost rate negotiated between the subrecipient and the Federal Government. If no approved rate exists, the passthrough entity must determine the appropriate rate in collaboration with the subrecipient, which is either: (A) The negotiated indirect cost rate between the pass-through entity and the subrecipient; which can be based on a prior negotiated rate between a different PTE and the same subrecipient. If basing the rate on a previously negotiated rate, the pass through entity is not required to collect information justifying this rate, but may elect to do so; (B) The de minimis indirect cost rate. (ii) The pass-through entity must not require use of a de minimis indirect cost rate if the subrecipient has a Federally approved rate. Subrecipients can elect to use the cost allocation method to account for indirect costs in accordance with § 200.405(d). INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 CITY OF ANDERSON SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (5) A requirement that the subrecipient permit the pass-through entity and auditors to have access to the subrecipient's records and financial statements as necessary for the pass-through entity to meet the requirements of this part; and (6) Appropriate terms and conditions concerning closeout of the subaward. . . . (b) Evaluate each subrecipient's risk of noncompliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward for purposes of determining the appropriate subrecipient monitoring described in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, which may include consideration of such factors as: (1) The subrecipient's prior experience with the same or similar subawards; (2) The results of previous audits including whether or not the subrecipient receives a Single Audit in accordance with Subpart F of this part, and the extent to which the same or similar subaward has been audited as a major program; (3) Whether the subrecipient has new personnel or new or substantially changed systems; and (4) The extent and results of Federal awarding agency monitoring (e.g., if the subrecipient also receives Federal awards directly from a Federal awarding agency). (c) Consider imposing specific subaward conditions upon a subrecipient if appropriate as described in § 200.208. (d) Monitor the activities of the subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward; and that subaward performance goals are achieved. Pass-through entity monitoring of the subrecipient must include: (1) Reviewing financial and performance reports required by the pass-through entity. (2) Following-up and ensuring that the subrecipient takes timely and appropriate action on all deficiencies pertaining to the Federal award provided to the subrecipient from the pass-through entity detected through audits, on-site reviews, and written confirmation from the subrecipient, highlighting the status of actions planned or taken to address Single Audit findings related to the particular subaward. (3) Issuing a management decision for applicable audit findings pertaining only to the Federal award provided to the subrecipient from the pass-through entity as required by § 200.521. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 CITY OF ANDERSON SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (4) The pass-through entity is responsible for resolving audit findings specifically related to the subaward and not responsible for resolving crosscutting findings. If a subrecipient has a current Single Audit report posted in the Federal Audit Clearinghouse and has not otherwise been excluded from receipt of Federal funding (e.g., has been debarred or suspended), the pass-through entity may rely on the subrecipient's cognizant audit agency or cognizant oversight agency to perform audit follow-up and make management decisions related to cross-cutting findings in accordance with section § 200.513(a)(3)(vii). Such reliance does not eliminate the responsibility of the pass-through entity to issue subawards that conform to agency and award-specific requirements, to manage risk through ongoing subaward monitoring, and to monitor the status of the findings that are specifically related to the subaward. (e) Depending upon the pass-through entity's assessment of risk posed by the subrecipient (as described in paragraph (b) of this section), the following monitoring tools may be useful for the pass-through entity to ensure proper accountability and compliance with program requirements and achievement of performance goals: (1) Providing subrecipients with training and technical assistance on program related matters; and (2) Performing on-site reviews of the subrecipient's program operations. (3) Arranging for agreed-upon-procedures engagements as described in § 200.425. (f) Verify that every subrecipient is audited as required by Subpart F of this part when it is expected that the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in § 200.501. (g) Consider whether the results of the subrecipient's audits, on-site reviews, or other monitoring indicate conditions that necessitate adjustments to the pass-through entity's own records. (h) Consider taking enforcement action against noncompliant subrecipients as described in § 200.339 of this part and in program regulations." Cause A system of internal controls to include oversite and review of the quarterly or monthly reports prepared by the subrecipients was not in place. One individual was primarily responsible for reviewing the subrecipient reports. Effect Not having procedures in place for oversite and review of the monitoring reports could lead to noncompliance with the requirements for subrecipient monitoring. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the City. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 CITY OF ANDERSON SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the City establish a proper system of internal controls to include oversite and review to ensure that the subrecipient report reviews are reviewed/approved by a second party. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Federal Program: Crime Victim Assistance – ALN 16.575, National Family Caregiver Support, Title III, Part E – ALN 93.052, Activities to Support State, Tribal, Local and Territorial (STLT) Health Department Response to Public Heath or Healthcare Crises – ALN 93.391, Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) Ebola Preparedness and Response Activities – ALN 93.817, Block Grants for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse – ALN 93.959, Non-Profit Security Program – ALN 97.008 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Justice, U.S Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Award Year: Various Criteria or Requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.328, The recipient or subrecipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. Reports submitted annually by the recipient or subrecipient must be due no later than 90 calendar days after the reporting period. Reports submitted quarterly or semiannually must be due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. Per 2 CFR 200.329, The recipient or subrecipient must submit performance reports as required by the Federal award. Intervals must be no less frequent than annually nor more frequent than quarterly except if specific conditions are applied (See § 200.208). Reports submitted annually by the recipient or subrecipient must be due no later than 90 calendar days after the reporting period. Reports submitted quarterly or semiannually must be due no later than 30 calendar days after the reporting period. A subrecipient must submit a final performance report to a pass-through entity no later than 90 calendar days after the conclusion of the period of performance. Per the 2024 Compliance Supplement, non-federal entities may be required to submit special reports as required by the terms and conditions of the federal award. Per 2 CFR 200.303, the non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition found, including facts that support the deficiency identified in the finding and information to provide proper perspective for judging the prevalence and consequences of the finding: Of 20 financial reports tested, 9 were either not submitted timely or documentation was not available to substantiate when the report was submitted. Of 23 performance reports tested, 12 were either not submitted timely or documentation was not available to substantiate when the report was submitted. Of 9 special reports tested, 6 were either not submitted timely or documentation was not available to substantiate when the report was submitted. Cause and possible asserted effect: The Health System does not have an effective process and control to ensure timely submission of required reports per the terms and conditions of federal awards and applicable regulations and retainage of evidence of control operation (i.e. evidence of report submission). Identification of questioned costs and how they were computed: None Whether the sampling was a statistically valid sample: The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Identification of whether the audit finding is a repeat of a finding in the immediately prior audit and if so, the applicable prior year finding number: No. This finding was not a finding in the immediate prior year audit. Recommendations: We recommend that the Health System review and enhance its current procedures to ensure that all required reporting applicable to federal awards is accurately identified, submission deadlines are met, and documentation of submissions is properly retained. Views of responsible officals: Management acknowledges the audit finding regarding timely submission of reports and retaining documentation of submissions. We will implement a new combined monitoring and record retention internal control process for financial, performance, and special reporting requirements, to ensure timely submission and retention of supporting documentation for required sponsor reporting. This process will be implemented by December 31, 2025.
Finding Number: 2024-002 Federal Program: COVID-19: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) - ARPA Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Federal Award Identification Number and Year: DEV-2021-181052 Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 21.027 Federal Awarding Agency: Department of the Treasury Pass-through Entity: Ohio Department of Development Repeat Finding: No Material Weakness and Noncompliance – Reporting Criteria: 2 C.F.R. § 200.328 Financial Reporting states, in part, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must collect financial reports no less than annually. The Federal agency or pass-through entity may not collect financial reports more frequently than quarterly unless a specific condition has been implemented in accordance with § 200.208. To the extent practicable, the Federal agency or pass-through entity should collect financial reports in coordination with performance reports. The recipient must submit quarterly program reports as required by the Federal award. In the Ohio Department of Development Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Program Grant Agreement, Statement of Agreement, Section 6 Reporting Requirements, Exhibit II Reporting, Section 2, Program Reports, all grant award recipients are required to submit program reports on a quarterly basis. Quarterly program reports must be submitted by close of business, on the second Friday, at the end of each quarter. Condition: The City did not submit the required Program Reports for all four quarters of 2024. Questioned Costs: None. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Context: Through testing of required reporting under terms and conditions of the federal award, we observed the City did not meet the requirements for performance reporting. The required performance reports for all four quarters of 2024 were not submitted. Cause and Effect: The issue results from a lack of monitoring controls related to grant reporting requirements. Failure to submit reports as required could result in noncompliance with grant requirements. Recommendation: We recommend management implement procedures and processes to ensure that all required reports are submitted on time. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: See Corrective Action Plan.
Cash Management Federal Department – U.S. Department of Justice Pass-through Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 15JOVW-21-GG-00543-STOP and 2021 15JOVW-22-GG-00422-STOP and 2022 Violence Against Women Formula Grants, Federal Assistance Listing #16.588 County Department – State’s Attorney Office Finding 2024 – 001 CRITERIA 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart D - Post Federal Award Requirements Standards for Financial and Program Management, Section 200.305 Federal Payment (b)(3) Payments for recipients and subrecipients other than States requires that, “Reimbursement is preferred when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal agency or pass-through entity sets a specific condition per Section 200.208, when requested by the recipient or subrecipient, when a Federal award is for construction, or when a significant portion of the construction project is accomplished through private market financing or Federal loans and the Federal award constitutes a minor portion of the project. When the reimbursement method is used, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must make payment within 30 calendar days after receipt of the payment request unless the Federal agency or pass-through entity reasonably believes the request to be improper.” CONDITION During the current audit period, the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (SAO) did not adequately comply with its cash management requirements in accordance with federal regulations. CAUSE Based on discussions with management, a portion of the late payments resulted from the SAO’s Program Managers being unable to provide sufficient documentation demonstrating that the delays were due to late invoice submissions by subrecipients. As a result, the Auditor could not verify whether the non-compliance was attributable to subrecipient actions. The remaining delays were due to weaknesses in the payment processing system, which relied heavily on email communications between involved parties. These emails, initiated by the Accounts Payable Processor, were not acted upon in a timely manner, resulting in payments being processed well over the thirty (30) days after initial submission. EFFECT The failure to pay each subrecipient for allowable costs within 30 days after receiving the subrecipient’s billing or payment request is a violation of federal regulations. This could impact the subrecipient’s ability to adequately perform its programmatic responsibilities under the program. QUESTIONED COSTS None. CONTEXT During our test of 29 subrecipients’ expenditures, we noted 17 instances where payments to the subrecipients’ were not made within 30 days after receipt of the subrecipient’s payment request. The payments were submitted late, ranging from 2 to 313 days late. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEATED FINDINGS None. RECOMMENDATION We recommend that SAO develop and implement procedures to ensure payments to subrecipients are made within 30 days after receipt of the subrecipients billing or payment request, as required. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS AND PLANNED CORRECTIVE ACTIONS The County agrees with the finding and recommendation. The County’s corrective action plan is on page 38.
Cash Management Federal Department – U.S. Department of Justice Pass-through Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 15JOVW-21-GG-00543-STOP and 2021 15JOVW-22-GG-00422-STOP and 2022 Violence Against Women Formula Grants, Federal Assistance Listing #16.588 County Department – State’s Attorney Office Finding 2024 – 001 CRITERIA 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart D - Post Federal Award Requirements Standards for Financial and Program Management, Section 200.305 Federal Payment (b)(3) Payments for recipients and subrecipients other than States requires that, “Reimbursement is preferred when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal agency or pass-through entity sets a specific condition per Section 200.208, when requested by the recipient or subrecipient, when a Federal award is for construction, or when a significant portion of the construction project is accomplished through private market financing or Federal loans and the Federal award constitutes a minor portion of the project. When the reimbursement method is used, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must make payment within 30 calendar days after receipt of the payment request unless the Federal agency or pass-through entity reasonably believes the request to be improper.” CONDITION During the current audit period, the Cook County State’s Attorney Office (SAO) did not adequately comply with its cash management requirements in accordance with federal regulations. CAUSE Based on discussions with management, a portion of the late payments resulted from the SAO’s Program Managers being unable to provide sufficient documentation demonstrating that the delays were due to late invoice submissions by subrecipients. As a result, the Auditor could not verify whether the non-compliance was attributable to subrecipient actions. The remaining delays were due to weaknesses in the payment processing system, which relied heavily on email communications between involved parties. These emails, initiated by the Accounts Payable Processor, were not acted upon in a timely manner, resulting in payments being processed well over the thirty (30) days after initial submission. EFFECT The failure to pay each subrecipient for allowable costs within 30 days after receiving the subrecipient’s billing or payment request is a violation of federal regulations. This could impact the subrecipient’s ability to adequately perform its programmatic responsibilities under the program. QUESTIONED COSTS None. CONTEXT During our test of 29 subrecipients’ expenditures, we noted 17 instances where payments to the subrecipients’ were not made within 30 days after receipt of the subrecipient’s payment request. The payments were submitted late, ranging from 2 to 313 days late. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEATED FINDINGS None. RECOMMENDATION We recommend that SAO develop and implement procedures to ensure payments to subrecipients are made within 30 days after receipt of the subrecipients billing or payment request, as required. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS AND PLANNED CORRECTIVE ACTIONS The County agrees with the finding and recommendation. The County’s corrective action plan is on page 38.
Cash Management Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services Pass Through Entity: Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute, Inc. Award Name: Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) Ebola Preparedness and Response Activities Award Number: IDSEP22005-003 Assistance Listing Number: 93.817 Award Year: June 1, 2023-September 30, 2023 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.305 (b)(3), reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per 2 CFR 200.208, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.334 (c) and (e), a subrecipient must liquidate all financial obligations incurred under a subaward no later than 90 calendar days after the conclusion of the period of performance of the subaward (or an earlier date as agreed upon by the pass-through entity and subrecipient). The subrecipient must promptly refund any unobligated funds that the pass-through entity paid and that are not authorized to be retained. Condition In testing the period of performance compliance requirement in accordance with the OMB Compliance Supplement, we requested support for the expenditures on the FY2024 Schedule of Federal Awards, as they were outside of the period of performance of the subaward, which ended September 30, 2023. The Company issued an invoice to Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute, the Prime awardee, for $215,192 on September 14, 2023, but did not incur those expenses until after the period of performance of the subaward. Therefore, the Company requested and received the funds in advance of incurring the expenses. Further, the Company did not liquidate its obligations under the subaward within the required 90 calendar days after the conclusion of the performance of the subaward, as expenditures were recorded through August 2024. There were no terms in the award that allowed retention of unused funds. Cause The grant personnel were not aware of the invoicing requirements under the reimbursement method and invoiced the Prime awardee in advance of incurring the associated costs. Effect Federal funds were obtained in advance of incurring costs and outside of the period of performance of the subaward. Questioned Costs $215,192 Recommendation We recommend that the Company return the advance funds received to the Prime. Further, the Company should consider the need for clarifying and/or enhancing existing internal control procedures to ensure expenditures are paid in compliance with Federal reimbursement requirements and that requests for reimbursement are reviewed and validated against supporting documentation to identify any discrepancies prior to requesting reimbursement. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan are included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of prior audit findings and status.
Cash Management Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services Pass Through Entity: Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute, Inc. Award Name: Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) Ebola Preparedness and Response Activities Award Number: IDSEP22005-003 Assistance Listing Number: 93.817 Award Year: June 1, 2023-September 30, 2023 Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.305 (b)(3), reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per 2 CFR 200.208, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.334 (c) and (e), a subrecipient must liquidate all financial obligations incurred under a subaward no later than 90 calendar days after the conclusion of the period of performance of the subaward (or an earlier date as agreed upon by the pass-through entity and subrecipient). The subrecipient must promptly refund any unobligated funds that the pass-through entity paid and that are not authorized to be retained. Condition In testing the period of performance compliance requirement in accordance with the OMB Compliance Supplement, we requested support for the expenditures on the FY2024 Schedule of Federal Awards, as they were outside of the period of performance of the subaward, which ended September 30, 2023. The Company issued an invoice to Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute, the Prime awardee, for $215,192 on September 14, 2023, but did not incur those expenses until after the period of performance of the subaward. Therefore, the Company requested and received the funds in advance of incurring the expenses. Further, the Company did not liquidate its obligations under the subaward within the required 90 calendar days after the conclusion of the performance of the subaward, as expenditures were recorded through August 2024. There were no terms in the award that allowed retention of unused funds. Cause The grant personnel were not aware of the invoicing requirements under the reimbursement method and invoiced the Prime awardee in advance of incurring the associated costs. Effect Federal funds were obtained in advance of incurring costs and outside of the period of performance of the subaward. Questioned Costs $215,192 Recommendation We recommend that the Company return the advance funds received to the Prime. Further, the Company should consider the need for clarifying and/or enhancing existing internal control procedures to ensure expenditures are paid in compliance with Federal reimbursement requirements and that requests for reimbursement are reviewed and validated against supporting documentation to identify any discrepancies prior to requesting reimbursement. Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan Management’s Views and Corrective Action Plan are included at the end of this report after the summary schedule of prior audit findings and status.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 685.300(b)(5), to participate in the Direct Loan Program, a school must, on a monthly basis, reconcile institutional records with Direct Loan funds received from the Secretary and Direct Loan disbursement records submitted to, and accepted by, the Secretary. Condition/context: Direct Loan reconciliations were not completed for six months of the fiscal year - the months of January 2024 through June 2024. Additionally, support for Direct Loan reconciliations that had been completed was not maintained during the year. Cause: During the transition of Student Financial Aid Directors during the year, there was an issue in which the SAIG was unavailable to the Financial Aid Director due to previous access at another institution. Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Additionally, if not completed on a regular basis, the school is at risk of not meeting disbursement reporting and excess cash deadlines. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should develop, implement, and maintain a process to complete monthly Direct Loan reconciliations that includes process and procedures in place to complete monthly reconciliations when the main point of contact or access to SAIG and COD is not available. Additionally, the College should develop procedures and requirements to maintain monthly Direct Loan reconciliations and associated support. Views of responsible officials: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I for the corrective action plan.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.173 (b), an institution returns unearned Title IV program funds timely if the funds are transferred no later than 45 days after the institution determines that the student withdrew. Condition/context: Of the 12 students selected for testing, one student’s unearned aid was not returned to the U.S. Department of Education within 45 days of the date the institution determined that the student withdrew. Cause: The College did not have a process in place to monitor and review official and unofficial withdrawals and ensure that a return of Title IV funds calculation had been performed for all withdrawn students and that unearned Title IV aid was returned to the U.S. Department of Education timely. Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should develop, implement, and maintain a system to review students for withdrawal on a timely and consistent basis in order to properly determine withdrawal dates and return unearned Title IV aid in a timely manner. Views of responsible officials: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I for the corrective action plan.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 690.83, an institution shall submit, in accordance with deadline dates established by the Secretary, through publication in the Federal Register, other reports and information the Secretary requires in connection with the funds advanced to it and shall comply with the procedures the Secretary finds necessary to ensure that the reports are correct. Additionally, per 34 CFR 685.309, upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, a school must update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary (i) in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary, and (ii) within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary. Condition/context: Of the 16 students selected for testing: • Two students’ withdrawn status was not reported to NSLDS. • Three students were not reported to NSLDS with an accurate withdrawal date. • One student’s program length was improperly reported as 2.5 years rather than two years. Cause: The Student Financial Aid Office and Records and Registration do not have controls in place to ensure the proper and timely reporting of student status changes. Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Additionally, the improper reporting of student status changes could impact students’ repayment status and/or maximum eligibility period. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: Yes - see finding 2023-003. Recommendation: The Student Financial Aid Office and Records and Registration should implement controls to ensure the proper, accurate, and timely reporting of student status changes and all related pertinent information. Views of responsible officials and planned correction actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 690.83, an institution shall submit, in accordance with deadline dates established by the Secretary, through publication in the Federal Register, other reports and information the Secretary requires and shall comply with the procedures the Secretary finds necessary to ensure that the reports are correct. Per the Federal Student Aid Handbook, schools must submit Pell disbursement records to the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system no later than 15 days after making the disbursements or becoming aware of the need to adjust a previously reported disbursement. Condition/context: Of the 25 students selected for Pell reporting testing, 19 students’ disbursement records were reported to the COD system greater than 15 days after the actual disbursement. Cause: During the transition of Financial Aid Directors, an error occurred in the assignment of the Primary Destination Point Administrator that resulted in an inability to import and export from Colleague to Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG) for COD and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) reporting. During this time, the College was unable to export disbursement information in a timely manner, which caused a delay in the COD processing of disbursement records. Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Additionally, failure to submit disbursement records within the required time frame may result in a rejection of all or part of the reported disbursement, an audit or program review finding, or possible fines or other penalties. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should develop, implement, and maintain a thorough control system that provides for the timely reporting of disbursement records to the COD system. Views of responsible officials: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I for the corrective action plan.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 690.83, an institution shall submit, in accordance with deadline dates established by the Secretary, through publication in the Federal Register, other reports and information the Secretary requires in connection with the funds advanced to it and shall comply with the procedures the Secretary finds necessary to ensure that the reports are correct. Additionally, per 34 CFR 685.309, upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, a school must update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary (i) in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary, and (ii) within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary. Condition/context: Of the 16 students selected for testing: • Two students’ withdrawn status was not reported to NSLDS. • Three students were not reported to NSLDS with an accurate withdrawal date. • One student’s program length was improperly reported as 2.5 years rather than two years. Cause: The Student Financial Aid Office and Records and Registration do not have controls in place to ensure the proper and timely reporting of student status changes. Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Additionally, the improper reporting of student status changes could impact students’ repayment status and/or maximum eligibility period. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: Yes - see finding 2023-003. Recommendation: The Student Financial Aid Office and Records and Registration should implement controls to ensure the proper, accurate, and timely reporting of student status changes and all related pertinent information. Views of responsible officials and planned correction actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 675.19(b)(3) and 676.19(b)(3), each year an institution shall submit a Fiscal Operations Report plus other information the Secretary requires. The institution shall insure that the information reported is accurate and shall submit it on the form and at the time specified by the Secretary. Per the Fiscal Operations Report for 2022-23 and Application to Participate for 2024-25 Instructions for Part II (Application) Section E, the tuition and fees revenue entered must only be for those students reported in Section D. Condition/context: Tuition and fees for the award year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 reported under Part II (Application) Section E of the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP) was incorrectly reported as $68,880,369. The correct amount was $6,880,369. Cause: Human error. Effect: If Western Wyoming Community College (the College) fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Additionally, incorrect reporting in the FISAP may result in incorrect award calculations by the U.S. Department of Education. The school may be required to return funds to which it is not entitled. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should develop, implement, and maintain a thorough system of review of the FISAP to ensure that accurate information is reported. Views of responsible officials: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I for the corrective action plan.
Criteria: Per 34 CFR 675.19(b)(3) and 676.19(b)(3), each year an institution shall submit a Fiscal Operations Report plus other information the Secretary requires. The institution shall insure that the information reported is accurate and shall submit it on the form and at the time specified by the Secretary. Per the Fiscal Operations Report for 2022-23 and Application to Participate for 2024-25 Instructions for Part II (Application) Section E, the tuition and fees revenue entered must only be for those students reported in Section D. Condition/context: Tuition and fees for the award year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 reported under Part II (Application) Section E of the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP) was incorrectly reported as $68,880,369. The correct amount was $6,880,369. Cause: Human error. Effect: If Western Wyoming Community College (the College) fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Additionally, incorrect reporting in the FISAP may result in incorrect award calculations by the U.S. Department of Education. The school may be required to return funds to which it is not entitled. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should develop, implement, and maintain a thorough system of review of the FISAP to ensure that accurate information is reported. Views of responsible officials: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I for the corrective action plan.
2 CFR section 200.208(c) states “Additional Federal award conditions may include items such as the following: (1) Requiring payments as reimbursements rather than advance payments.” During our audit we noted two checks were written and recorded in the accounting software but held until work was complete. These were claimed on expenditure reports as of June 30, 2024, however the checks were still being held on August 5, 2024. This resulted in the District essentially receiving advanced payment on this grant which was not permitted. Based on our testing of the bank reconciliation we are confident there were 2 held checks out of hundreds of checks for the year. In May and June alone there were over 50 checks charged to the grant, so it appears to be an isolated incident related to this project.
2024-004: Student Financial Assistance Cluster - Special Tests and Provisions: Disbursements to, or on Behalf of, Students (Significant Deficiency) Assistance Listing Numbers/Titles: #84.007, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants; #84.033, Federal Work-Study Program; #84.063, Federal Pell Grant Program; and #84.268, Federal Direct Student Loans Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education Award Number: N/A Award Year: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.165(a)(1), before an institution disburses Title IV funds for any award year, the institution must notify a student of the amount of funds that the student or his or her parent can expect to receive under each Title IV program, and how and when those funds will be disbursed. Condition/context: The College’s award notifications do not include when the funds will be disbursed. As such, this information was not included in the files of all 25 students selected for testing. Cause: The College believed that it was compliant by sending notifications on the day of disbursement. Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should include the disbursement date in award notifications or refer to the academic calendar (which includes disbursement dates) in all award notifications. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.
2024-005: Student Financial Assistance Cluster - Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting (Significant Deficiency) Assistance Listing Numbers/Titles: #84.063, Federal Pell Grant Program; and #84.268, Federal Direct Student Loans Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education Award Number: N/A Award Year: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Criteria: Per 34 CFR 690.83, an institution shall submit, in accordance with deadline dates established by the Secretary, through publication in the Federal Register, other reports and information the Secretary requires in connection with the funds advanced to it and shall comply with the procedures the Secretary finds necessary to ensure that the reports are correct. Additionally, per 34 CFR 685.309, upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, a school must update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary (i) in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary, and (ii) within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary. Condition/context: Of the 24 students selected for testing: • Seven students’ withdrawn status was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). • Eight students were not reported to NSLDS with an accurate withdrawal date. • Eight students’ statuses were not reported timely to NSLDS. Cause: The College was following institutional policy, which was not compliant with 34 CFR 690.83 or 34 CFR 685.309. Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Additionally, improper reporting of student status changes could impact students’ interest subsidy, repayment status, and/or maximum eligibility period. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should implement controls to ensure the proper, accurate, and timely reporting of student status changes and all related pertinent information. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.
2024-004: Student Financial Assistance Cluster - Special Tests and Provisions: Disbursements to, or on Behalf of, Students (Significant Deficiency) Assistance Listing Numbers/Titles: #84.007, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants; #84.033, Federal Work-Study Program; #84.063, Federal Pell Grant Program; and #84.268, Federal Direct Student Loans Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education Award Number: N/A Award Year: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.165(a)(1), before an institution disburses Title IV funds for any award year, the institution must notify a student of the amount of funds that the student or his or her parent can expect to receive under each Title IV program, and how and when those funds will be disbursed. Condition/context: The College’s award notifications do not include when the funds will be disbursed. As such, this information was not included in the files of all 25 students selected for testing. Cause: The College believed that it was compliant by sending notifications on the day of disbursement. Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should include the disbursement date in award notifications or refer to the academic calendar (which includes disbursement dates) in all award notifications. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.
2024-005: Student Financial Assistance Cluster - Special Tests and Provisions: Enrollment Reporting (Significant Deficiency) Assistance Listing Numbers/Titles: #84.063, Federal Pell Grant Program; and #84.268, Federal Direct Student Loans Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education Award Number: N/A Award Year: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Criteria: Per 34 CFR 690.83, an institution shall submit, in accordance with deadline dates established by the Secretary, through publication in the Federal Register, other reports and information the Secretary requires in connection with the funds advanced to it and shall comply with the procedures the Secretary finds necessary to ensure that the reports are correct. Additionally, per 34 CFR 685.309, upon receipt of an enrollment report from the Secretary, a school must update all information included in the report and return the report to the Secretary (i) in the manner and format prescribed by the Secretary, and (ii) within the timeframe prescribed by the Secretary. Condition/context: Of the 24 students selected for testing: • Seven students’ withdrawn status was not reported to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). • Eight students were not reported to NSLDS with an accurate withdrawal date. • Eight students’ statuses were not reported timely to NSLDS. Cause: The College was following institutional policy, which was not compliant with 34 CFR 690.83 or 34 CFR 685.309. Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Additionally, improper reporting of student status changes could impact students’ interest subsidy, repayment status, and/or maximum eligibility period. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should implement controls to ensure the proper, accurate, and timely reporting of student status changes and all related pertinent information. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.
2024-003: Student Financial Assistance Cluster - Reporting (Significant Deficiency) Assistance Listing Numbers/Titles: #84.007, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants; and #84.033, Federal Work-Study Program Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education Award Number: N/A Award Year: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Criteria: Per 34 CFR 675.19(b)(3) and 676.19(b)(3), each year, an institution shall submit a Fiscal Operations Report plus other information the Secretary requires. The institution shall ensure that the information reported is accurate and shall submit it on the form and at the time specified by the Secretary. Condition/context: The College was unable to provide documentation that supported the information reported in Part II, Section D, Line 7(a) and Part II, Section E, Line 22. Cause: The College does not have controls in place to retain all documentation utilized in preparation of the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP). Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Additionally, incorrect reporting in the FISAP may result in incorrect award calculations by the Department of Education. The school may be required to return funds to which it is not entitled. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should implement controls to ensure that all reports, queries, etc. utilized in the preparation of the FISAP are retained. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.
2024-004: Student Financial Assistance Cluster - Special Tests and Provisions: Disbursements to, or on Behalf of, Students (Significant Deficiency) Assistance Listing Numbers/Titles: #84.007, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants; #84.033, Federal Work-Study Program; #84.063, Federal Pell Grant Program; and #84.268, Federal Direct Student Loans Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education Award Number: N/A Award Year: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.165(a)(1), before an institution disburses Title IV funds for any award year, the institution must notify a student of the amount of funds that the student or his or her parent can expect to receive under each Title IV program, and how and when those funds will be disbursed. Condition/context: The College’s award notifications do not include when the funds will be disbursed. As such, this information was not included in the files of all 25 students selected for testing. Cause: The College believed that it was compliant by sending notifications on the day of disbursement. Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should include the disbursement date in award notifications or refer to the academic calendar (which includes disbursement dates) in all award notifications. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.
2024-003: Student Financial Assistance Cluster - Reporting (Significant Deficiency) Assistance Listing Numbers/Titles: #84.007, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants; and #84.033, Federal Work-Study Program Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education Award Number: N/A Award Year: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Criteria: Per 34 CFR 675.19(b)(3) and 676.19(b)(3), each year, an institution shall submit a Fiscal Operations Report plus other information the Secretary requires. The institution shall ensure that the information reported is accurate and shall submit it on the form and at the time specified by the Secretary. Condition/context: The College was unable to provide documentation that supported the information reported in Part II, Section D, Line 7(a) and Part II, Section E, Line 22. Cause: The College does not have controls in place to retain all documentation utilized in preparation of the Fiscal Operations Report and Application to Participate (FISAP). Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Additionally, incorrect reporting in the FISAP may result in incorrect award calculations by the Department of Education. The school may be required to return funds to which it is not entitled. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should implement controls to ensure that all reports, queries, etc. utilized in the preparation of the FISAP are retained. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.
2024-004: Student Financial Assistance Cluster - Special Tests and Provisions: Disbursements to, or on Behalf of, Students (Significant Deficiency) Assistance Listing Numbers/Titles: #84.007, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants; #84.033, Federal Work-Study Program; #84.063, Federal Pell Grant Program; and #84.268, Federal Direct Student Loans Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education Award Number: N/A Award Year: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Criteria: Per 34 CFR 668.165(a)(1), before an institution disburses Title IV funds for any award year, the institution must notify a student of the amount of funds that the student or his or her parent can expect to receive under each Title IV program, and how and when those funds will be disbursed. Condition/context: The College’s award notifications do not include when the funds will be disbursed. As such, this information was not included in the files of all 25 students selected for testing. Cause: The College believed that it was compliant by sending notifications on the day of disbursement. Effect: If the College fails to comply with the terms and conditions of a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency may impose additional conditions, as described in 2 CFR 200.208, or implement other remedies for noncompliance, as described in 2 CFR 200.339. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: The College should include the disbursement date in award notifications or refer to the academic calendar (which includes disbursement dates) in all award notifications. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Management concurs with the finding. See Exhibit I.
Finding Number: 2024-001 Federal Program: YouthBuild Grants Federal Award Identification Number and Year: YB-38198-22-60-A-39, 2024 Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 17.274 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Labor Compliance Requirement: Reporting – Quarterly Financial Reports Pass-through Entity: N/A Repeat Finding: No Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance – Timely Submission of Quarterly Financial Reports Criteria: 2 C.F.R. § 200.328 Financial Reporting states, in part, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must collect financial reports no less than annually. The Federal agency or pass-through entity may not collect financial reports more frequently than quarterly unless a specific condition has been implemented in accordance with § 200.208. To the extent practicable, the Federal agency or pass-through entity should collect financial reports in coordination with performance reports. The recipient must submit financial reports as required by the Federal award. In the YouthBuild Grant Condition of Award, U.S. Department of Labor, Section 12 Administrative Requirements, Part L, Reports, Section A, Quarterly Financial Reports, all ETA grant award recipients are required to report financial data on the ETA-9130 Financial Report. ETA-9130 reports are due no later than 45 calendar days after the end of each specified reporting quarter. Condition: The School did not submit the quarter ending December 31, 2023 ETA-9130 Quarterly Financial Report until February 20, 2024, six days after the deadline of February 14, 2024. Questioned Costs: None. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Context: Auditor reviewed the ETA-9130 Quarterly Financial Report for period ending December 31, 2023 via submission through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Payment Management System, and noted the School did not submit the report until February 20, 2024, which was six days after the deadline of February 14, 2024. Cause and Effect: The School did not have procedures in place to review and submit the ETA-9130 Quarterly Financial Report timely. As a result, the School filed the Quarter Ending December 31, 2023 ETA-9130 Quarterly Financial Report after the required due date. Recommendation: We recommend that the School implement a process to ensure that future Quarterly Financial Reports are filed by the required due date. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 22611-048-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Ripley-Ohio-Dearborn Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money for earmarked expenditures on behalf of four of the six member schools. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22611-048-PN01 grant award could not be verified for the individual member schools. The nonpublic school share funds for the participating member schools were allocated based on the yearly budget for certified staff instead of time charged to the nonpublic schools. These allocations were the amounts reported to the IDOE. As such, we were unable to identify which expenditures were for each school in order to verify the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-048-PN01 grant award in 2022-2023. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 JAC-CEN-DEL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation to ensure time worked by certified staff for nonpublic schools was properly identified. Internal controls in place did not identify that an improper method was used to identify expenditures for nonpublic students with disabilities. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure that the proportionate share required to be expended for nonpublic students was met. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 JAC-CEN-DEL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure nonpublic proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenses charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenses should be retained for audit. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, 22619-043-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The non-public expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award numbers 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP prior to September 2022. From the beginning of the grant awards until September 2022, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in September 2022, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through September 2022, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 22611-043-PN01, 2611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through inquiry of the Cooperative management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in September 2022, most of the grant awards had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure the Cooperative compliance with earmarking requirements and the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school by the Cooperative. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, 22619-043-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The non-public expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award numbers 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP prior to September 2022. From the beginning of the grant awards until September 2022, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in September 2022, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through September 2022, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 22611-043-PN01, 2611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through inquiry of the Cooperative management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in September 2022, most of the grant awards had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure the Cooperative compliance with earmarking requirements and the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school by the Cooperative. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, 22619-043-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The non-public expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award numbers 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP prior to September 2022. From the beginning of the grant awards until September 2022, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in September 2022, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through September 2022, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 22611-043-PN01, 2611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through inquiry of the Cooperative management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in September 2022, most of the grant awards had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure the Cooperative compliance with earmarking requirements and the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school by the Cooperative. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, 22619-043-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The non-public expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award numbers 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP prior to September 2022. From the beginning of the grant awards until September 2022, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in September 2022, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through September 2022, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 22611-043-PN01, 2611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through inquiry of the Cooperative management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in September 2022, most of the grant awards had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure the Cooperative compliance with earmarking requirements and the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school by the Cooperative. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, 22619-043-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The non-public expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award numbers 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP prior to September 2022. From the beginning of the grant awards until September 2022, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in September 2022, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through September 2022, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 22611-043-PN01, 2611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through inquiry of the Cooperative management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in September 2022, most of the grant awards had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure the Cooperative compliance with earmarking requirements and the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school by the Cooperative. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, 22619-043-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The non-public expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award numbers 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP prior to September 2022. From the beginning of the grant awards until September 2022, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in September 2022, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through September 2022, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to 22611-043-PN01, 2611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 HANOVER COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through inquiry of the Cooperative management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in September 2022, most of the grant awards had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure the Cooperative compliance with earmarking requirements and the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school by the Cooperative. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 22611-053-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Due to the timing of the Cooperative's corrective action, the nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for the grant award number 22611-053-PN01. From the beginning of the grant awards until March 2023, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in March 2023, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through March 2023, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 grant award. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in March 2023, most of the grant award had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member schools. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 22611-053-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the South La Porte County Special Education (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Due to the timing of the Cooperative's corrective action, the nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for the grant award number 22611-053-PN01. From the beginning of the grant awards until March 2023, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in March 2023, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through March 2023, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-053-PN01 grant award. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Through management inquiry, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in March 2023, most of the grant award had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 NEW PRAIRIE UNITED SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the Cooperative should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member schools. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) -Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Number: 84.173X Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 22619-130-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number is 2022-002 Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed, nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Proportionate share is an amount of funds that must be expended on special education/related services for parentally placed private school and homeschooled students. The amount to be spent is automatically calculated within each grant application. The School Corporation had not designed, nor implemented, policies and procedures to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public students was met for each grant. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-130-ARP grant were not spent in full, and the School Corporation did not file a waiver which if approved would have allowed the funds to be moved and spent under the regular Part B special education scope. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 22619-130-ARP grant award. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Management had not designed nor implemented a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. The business office was not included in nonpublic meetings to know that open funds are not being clearly communicated with the nonpublic schools. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled noncompliance to go undetected. The parentally placed private school and homeschooled students could be deprived of this funding. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement could result in the loss of future funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) -Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Number: 84.173X Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): 22619-130-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number is 2022-002 Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed, nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Proportionate share is an amount of funds that must be expended on special education/related services for parentally placed private school and homeschooled students. The amount to be spent is automatically calculated within each grant application. The School Corporation had not designed, nor implemented, policies and procedures to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public students was met for each grant. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-130-ARP grant were not spent in full, and the School Corporation did not file a waiver which if approved would have allowed the funds to be moved and spent under the regular Part B special education scope. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the 22619-130-ARP grant award. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Management had not designed nor implemented a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. The business office was not included in nonpublic meetings to know that open funds are not being clearly communicated with the nonpublic schools. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled noncompliance to go undetected. The parentally placed private school and homeschooled students could be deprived of this funding. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement could result in the loss of future funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): H027A190084 / 22611-037-PN01, H027A200084 / 21611-037-PN01, H173A210104 / 22619-037-PN01, H173A220104 / 23619-037-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SCHOOL CITY OF MISHAWAKA SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation is to ensure the same proportionate share amount of services is expended for students with disabilities in nonpublic schools as they do for students with disabilities in the public school system. The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures in place to ensure that employees properly documented time worked split between public and non-public students. The School Corporation maintained time and effort logs documenting all employees who worked exclusively on the Special Education Program utilizing a semiannual certification. Employees who worked with both nonpublic and public students were included on the semiannual certifications, but the School Corporation did not maintain documentation supporting how much time was spent working specifically with nonpublic students. Due to this, we were not able to determine if the School Corporation met the earmarking requirement for the grants noted. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to employees that spent time working with both public and nonpublic students within the grants noted above by identifying number. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SCHOOL CITY OF MISHAWAKA SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through management inquiry, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each employe based on actual time spent on nonpublic education. Effect The amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather by a percentage per employee. Therefore, we were not able to determine if the unit was in compliance with the earmarking requirements. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by employee. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): H027A190084 / 22611-037-PN01, H027A200084 / 21611-037-PN01, H173A210104 / 22619-037-PN01, H173A220104 / 23619-037-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SCHOOL CITY OF MISHAWAKA SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation is to ensure the same proportionate share amount of services is expended for students with disabilities in nonpublic schools as they do for students with disabilities in the public school system. The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures in place to ensure that employees properly documented time worked split between public and non-public students. The School Corporation maintained time and effort logs documenting all employees who worked exclusively on the Special Education Program utilizing a semiannual certification. Employees who worked with both nonpublic and public students were included on the semiannual certifications, but the School Corporation did not maintain documentation supporting how much time was spent working specifically with nonpublic students. Due to this, we were not able to determine if the School Corporation met the earmarking requirement for the grants noted. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to employees that spent time working with both public and nonpublic students within the grants noted above by identifying number. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SCHOOL CITY OF MISHAWAKA SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through management inquiry, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each employe based on actual time spent on nonpublic education. Effect The amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather by a percentage per employee. Therefore, we were not able to determine if the unit was in compliance with the earmarking requirements. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by employee. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): H027A190084 / 22611-037-PN01, H027A200084 / 21611-037-PN01, H173A210104 / 22619-037-PN01, H173A220104 / 23619-037-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SCHOOL CITY OF MISHAWAKA SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation is to ensure the same proportionate share amount of services is expended for students with disabilities in nonpublic schools as they do for students with disabilities in the public school system. The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures in place to ensure that employees properly documented time worked split between public and non-public students. The School Corporation maintained time and effort logs documenting all employees who worked exclusively on the Special Education Program utilizing a semiannual certification. Employees who worked with both nonpublic and public students were included on the semiannual certifications, but the School Corporation did not maintain documentation supporting how much time was spent working specifically with nonpublic students. Due to this, we were not able to determine if the School Corporation met the earmarking requirement for the grants noted. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to employees that spent time working with both public and nonpublic students within the grants noted above by identifying number. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SCHOOL CITY OF MISHAWAKA SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through management inquiry, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each employe based on actual time spent on nonpublic education. Effect The amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather by a percentage per employee. Therefore, we were not able to determine if the unit was in compliance with the earmarking requirements. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by employee. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): H027A190084 / 22611-037-PN01, H027A200084 / 21611-037-PN01, H173A210104 / 22619-037-PN01, H173A220104 / 23619-037-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SCHOOL CITY OF MISHAWAKA SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation is to ensure the same proportionate share amount of services is expended for students with disabilities in nonpublic schools as they do for students with disabilities in the public school system. The School Corporation did not have adequate policies or procedures in place to ensure that employees properly documented time worked split between public and non-public students. The School Corporation maintained time and effort logs documenting all employees who worked exclusively on the Special Education Program utilizing a semiannual certification. Employees who worked with both nonpublic and public students were included on the semiannual certifications, but the School Corporation did not maintain documentation supporting how much time was spent working specifically with nonpublic students. Due to this, we were not able to determine if the School Corporation met the earmarking requirement for the grants noted. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to employees that spent time working with both public and nonpublic students within the grants noted above by identifying number. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SCHOOL CITY OF MISHAWAKA SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through management inquiry, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each employe based on actual time spent on nonpublic education. Effect The amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather by a percentage per employee. Therefore, we were not able to determine if the unit was in compliance with the earmarking requirements. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by employee. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the earmarking requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-046-PN01, 22611-046-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF BOONE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Services (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22611-046-PN01 and 22611-046-ARP grant awards could not be verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 22611-046-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF BOONE TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through inquiry of the Cooperative management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member schools starting in July 2022, all of the grant awards had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure the Cooperative compliance with earmarking requirements and the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure nonpublic proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenditures should be retained for audit. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.