2024-003: Suspension and Debarment—Material Weakness U.S. Department of Agriculture Passed through Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Child Nutrition Cluster, Assistance Listing No. 10.555 (National School Lunch Program), 10.553 (School Breakfast Program), 10.582 (Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program) Federal award year 2023-2024 Criteria: The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving federal awards to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance retirements. Also, the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.212 and 200.318(h)) stipulates that when a nonfederal entity enters into a contract or purchase with an entity (vendor or subrecipient), the nonfederal entity must verify the entity is not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs/grants when expending $25,000 or more in a year. Condition: The District did not have controls in place to reasonably ensure any entity receiving more than $25,000 in federal grant funds was not suspended or debarred, prior to providing them with federal funds. Cause: A lack of controls to reasonably ensure this verification was performed. Effect or potential effect: The District did not have controls in place to reasonably ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements of the Uniform Guidance. The potential effect is submitting unallowable costs, or loss of federal funding. Questioned costs: None Context: For all sample selections tested in the major program, documentation was not maintained that could provide evidence that the District had performed the required verification. None of the samples tested were identified as suspended or debarred entities. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the District develop proper controls and procedures to determine whether vendors have been suspended or debarred prior to entering into contracts or purchase orders for all transactions, and maintain documentation supporting this verification. View of responsible officials: Management agrees with this finding.
Control Deficiencies Suspension and Debarment – Child Nutrition Cluster Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control compliance Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2024-056328-DPI-SB-546, 2024-056328-DPI-NSL-547, 2024-056328-DPI-SFSP-586 Award Period: 7/1/23 – 6/30/24 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: The organization should have procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6) Condition: The District has a policy in place that meets the requirements of Uniform Guidance, however, the policy was not followed in 2023-2024. Questioned Costs: None noted. Context: For 5 out of 5 vendors tested, the District did not have documentation of checking for suspension and debarment. Cause: Due to turnover in the Food Service Director Position and related support staff, new Food Service Director was not able to produce documentation that suspension and debarment was checked for the vendors tested. Effect: The district could potentially be using Federal Grant dollars for suspended or debarred vendors Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District implement a process to check for suspension and debarment for all vendors exceeding the threshold for purchases. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the finding
Control Deficiencies Suspension and Debarment – Child Nutrition Cluster Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control compliance Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2024-056328-DPI-SB-546, 2024-056328-DPI-NSL-547, 2024-056328-DPI-SFSP-586 Award Period: 7/1/23 – 6/30/24 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: The organization should have procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6) Condition: The District has a policy in place that meets the requirements of Uniform Guidance, however, the policy was not followed in 2023-2024. Questioned Costs: None noted. Context: For 5 out of 5 vendors tested, the District did not have documentation of checking for suspension and debarment. Cause: Due to turnover in the Food Service Director Position and related support staff, new Food Service Director was not able to produce documentation that suspension and debarment was checked for the vendors tested. Effect: The district could potentially be using Federal Grant dollars for suspended or debarred vendors Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District implement a process to check for suspension and debarment for all vendors exceeding the threshold for purchases. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the finding
Control Deficiencies Suspension and Debarment – Child Nutrition Cluster Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control compliance Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2024-056328-DPI-SB-546, 2024-056328-DPI-NSL-547, 2024-056328-DPI-SFSP-586 Award Period: 7/1/23 – 6/30/24 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: The organization should have procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6) Condition: The District has a policy in place that meets the requirements of Uniform Guidance, however, the policy was not followed in 2023-2024. Questioned Costs: None noted. Context: For 5 out of 5 vendors tested, the District did not have documentation of checking for suspension and debarment. Cause: Due to turnover in the Food Service Director Position and related support staff, new Food Service Director was not able to produce documentation that suspension and debarment was checked for the vendors tested. Effect: The district could potentially be using Federal Grant dollars for suspended or debarred vendors Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District implement a process to check for suspension and debarment for all vendors exceeding the threshold for purchases. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the finding
Control Deficiencies Suspension and Debarment – Child Nutrition Cluster Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control compliance Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2024-056328-DPI-SB-546, 2024-056328-DPI-NSL-547, 2024-056328-DPI-SFSP-586 Award Period: 7/1/23 – 6/30/24 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: The organization should have procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6) Condition: The District has a policy in place that meets the requirements of Uniform Guidance, however, the policy was not followed in 2023-2024. Questioned Costs: None noted. Context: For 5 out of 5 vendors tested, the District did not have documentation of checking for suspension and debarment. Cause: Due to turnover in the Food Service Director Position and related support staff, new Food Service Director was not able to produce documentation that suspension and debarment was checked for the vendors tested. Effect: The district could potentially be using Federal Grant dollars for suspended or debarred vendors Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District implement a process to check for suspension and debarment for all vendors exceeding the threshold for purchases. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the finding
Control Deficiencies Suspension and Debarment – Child Nutrition Cluster Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control compliance Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2024-056328-DPI-SB-546, 2024-056328-DPI-NSL-547, 2024-056328-DPI-SFSP-586 Award Period: 7/1/23 – 6/30/24 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: The organization should have procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6) Condition: The District has a policy in place that meets the requirements of Uniform Guidance, however, the policy was not followed in 2023-2024. Questioned Costs: None noted. Context: For 5 out of 5 vendors tested, the District did not have documentation of checking for suspension and debarment. Cause: Due to turnover in the Food Service Director Position and related support staff, new Food Service Director was not able to produce documentation that suspension and debarment was checked for the vendors tested. Effect: The district could potentially be using Federal Grant dollars for suspended or debarred vendors Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the District implement a process to check for suspension and debarment for all vendors exceeding the threshold for purchases. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the finding
Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Health Center Infrastructure Support Assistance Listing Number: 93.526 Federal Award Identification Number: C8ECS44866-01-00 Award Periods: September 15, 2021 – September 14, 2024 Type of Finding: Immaterial noncompliance and significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6 outlines that the non-Federal entity must verify that the agency in which it is entering into a contract is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The Organization did not check to see if a vendor was suspended or debarred prior to entering a contract with the vendor. Questioned Costs: $38,515. Context: The Organization purchased medical equipment from a vendor without first verifying the vendor was not suspended or debarred. Cause: Oversight Effect: Formalized procedures should be in place to ensure the Organization does not engage with a vendor that is debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: CLA recommends the Organization update its procurement policy to include procedures that a vendor be verified as not being debarred, suspended, or excluded. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024-002 – Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program Name: Continuum of Care Program Assistance Listing Number: 14.267 Federal Award Identification Number: IL1780LST172201 - 2023 IL1651L5Tl42204 - 2023 IL1780L5T172100 - 2022 IL0315LST142215 - 2023 IL1651L5T142103 - 2022 Award Periods: August 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023; August 1, 2023 – July 31, 2024; July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Other Matters Criteria: 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6 outlines that the non-Federal entity must verify that the agency in which it is entering into a contract is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The Agency did not retain the documentation of verification of vendors not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a contract with the vendor. Questioned Costs: None Context: The Agency procured grant writing services and made rental assistance payments to the vendors without maintaining the documentation of verification for the vendors not being suspended or debarred. Cause: Unknown Effect: Formalized procedures should be in place to ensure the Agency does not engage with vendors that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Repeat Finding: This finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: CLA recommends the Agency update its procurement policy to include procedures that a vendor be verified as not being debarred, suspended, or excluded and documentation maintained to support the determination. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this audit finding.
Finding 2024-003 – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment — Material Weakness Department of Health and Human Services Research and Development Cluster Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Assistance Listing No. 93.859 (Biomedical Research and Research Training) Federal award year 2023-2024 Criteria: The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving federal awards to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.212 and 200.318(h)), when a nonfederal entity enters into a contract or purchase with an entity (vendor or subrecipient), the nonfederal entity must verify the entity is not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs/grants when expending $25,000 or more in a year (or any amount in the case of a subrecipient). Condition: The University’s controls were not operating effectively to reasonably ensure the University verified the vendor was not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs/grants prior to entering into a contract with the vendor. The University’s procurement policy requires vendor transactions equal to or greater than $25,000 undergo verification to ensure the vendor is not suspended or debarred, prior to entering into a contract with the vendor. Cause: A lack of controls to reasonably ensure this verification was performed. Effect or potential effect: The University did not have controls in place to reasonably ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements of the Uniform Guidance. The potential effect is submitting unallowable costs, or loss of federal funding. Questioned costs: $0 Context: For all sample selections tested in the major program, documentation was not maintained that could provide evidence that the University had performed the required verification. None of the samples tested were identified as suspended or debarred entities. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the University develop proper controls and procedures to determine whether vendors have been suspended or debarred prior to entering into contracts or purchase orders for all transactions, and maintain documentation supporting this verification. View of responsible officials: Management agrees with this finding. See corrective action plan.
Finding 2024-003 – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment — Material Weakness Department of Health and Human Services Research and Development Cluster Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Assistance Listing No. 93.859 (Biomedical Research and Research Training) Federal award year 2023-2024 Criteria: The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving federal awards to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.212 and 200.318(h)), when a nonfederal entity enters into a contract or purchase with an entity (vendor or subrecipient), the nonfederal entity must verify the entity is not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs/grants when expending $25,000 or more in a year (or any amount in the case of a subrecipient). Condition: The University’s controls were not operating effectively to reasonably ensure the University verified the vendor was not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs/grants prior to entering into a contract with the vendor. The University’s procurement policy requires vendor transactions equal to or greater than $25,000 undergo verification to ensure the vendor is not suspended or debarred, prior to entering into a contract with the vendor. Cause: A lack of controls to reasonably ensure this verification was performed. Effect or potential effect: The University did not have controls in place to reasonably ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements of the Uniform Guidance. The potential effect is submitting unallowable costs, or loss of federal funding. Questioned costs: $0 Context: For all sample selections tested in the major program, documentation was not maintained that could provide evidence that the University had performed the required verification. None of the samples tested were identified as suspended or debarred entities. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the University develop proper controls and procedures to determine whether vendors have been suspended or debarred prior to entering into contracts or purchase orders for all transactions, and maintain documentation supporting this verification. View of responsible officials: Management agrees with this finding. See corrective action plan.
Finding 2024-003 – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment — Material Weakness Department of Health and Human Services Research and Development Cluster Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Assistance Listing No. 93.859 (Biomedical Research and Research Training) Federal award year 2023-2024 Criteria: The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving federal awards to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.212 and 200.318(h)), when a nonfederal entity enters into a contract or purchase with an entity (vendor or subrecipient), the nonfederal entity must verify the entity is not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs/grants when expending $25,000 or more in a year (or any amount in the case of a subrecipient). Condition: The University’s controls were not operating effectively to reasonably ensure the University verified the vendor was not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs/grants prior to entering into a contract with the vendor. The University’s procurement policy requires vendor transactions equal to or greater than $25,000 undergo verification to ensure the vendor is not suspended or debarred, prior to entering into a contract with the vendor. Cause: A lack of controls to reasonably ensure this verification was performed. Effect or potential effect: The University did not have controls in place to reasonably ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements of the Uniform Guidance. The potential effect is submitting unallowable costs, or loss of federal funding. Questioned costs: $0 Context: For all sample selections tested in the major program, documentation was not maintained that could provide evidence that the University had performed the required verification. None of the samples tested were identified as suspended or debarred entities. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the University develop proper controls and procedures to determine whether vendors have been suspended or debarred prior to entering into contracts or purchase orders for all transactions, and maintain documentation supporting this verification. View of responsible officials: Management agrees with this finding. See corrective action plan.
Finding 2024-003 – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment — Material Weakness Department of Health and Human Services Research and Development Cluster Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Assistance Listing No. 93.859 (Biomedical Research and Research Training) Federal award year 2023-2024 Criteria: The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving federal awards to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.212 and 200.318(h)), when a nonfederal entity enters into a contract or purchase with an entity (vendor or subrecipient), the nonfederal entity must verify the entity is not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs/grants when expending $25,000 or more in a year (or any amount in the case of a subrecipient). Condition: The University’s controls were not operating effectively to reasonably ensure the University verified the vendor was not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs/grants prior to entering into a contract with the vendor. The University’s procurement policy requires vendor transactions equal to or greater than $25,000 undergo verification to ensure the vendor is not suspended or debarred, prior to entering into a contract with the vendor. Cause: A lack of controls to reasonably ensure this verification was performed. Effect or potential effect: The University did not have controls in place to reasonably ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements of the Uniform Guidance. The potential effect is submitting unallowable costs, or loss of federal funding. Questioned costs: $0 Context: For all sample selections tested in the major program, documentation was not maintained that could provide evidence that the University had performed the required verification. None of the samples tested were identified as suspended or debarred entities. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend the University develop proper controls and procedures to determine whether vendors have been suspended or debarred prior to entering into contracts or purchase orders for all transactions, and maintain documentation supporting this verification. View of responsible officials: Management agrees with this finding. See corrective action plan.
Finding 2024-002 Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal controls over compliance and immaterial non- compliance Criteria: In accordance with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.512), it is the responsibility of Connected Lane County’s management to ensure there are properly designed and implemented internal controls in order to timely complete the Organization’s annual audit and submit it to the federal audit clearinghouse. Condition and Context: The audit for the year ended June 30, 2023 was not able to be completed within nine months of the fiscal year end as required due to required corrections to the accounting records and delays in providing information required to complete the audit. The audit was submitted more than nine months after the end of the audit period. Cause of Condition: The audit for the year ended June 30, 2023 was not able to be completed within nine months of the fiscal year end as required due to required corrections to the accounting records and delays in providing information required to complete the audit. Effect of Condition: The effect of the condition is that the Organization did not comply with the provisions in 2 CFR 200.212. This is considered immaterial non-compliance. Questioned Costs: None. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management and the Board work closely with the Finance Manager to remedy the internal control over financial reporting deficiency and also to find efficiencies in the accounting systems to allow for timely close of the Organization’s financial records in order to allow for the audit to be completed timely. Additionally, we recommend the Organization review its document retention and storage policies to ensure documentation is well organized and easy to locate when requested for the audit.
Finding 2024-005 – Suspension and debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds; Health Center Program Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 21.027; 93.224/93.527 Pass-Through Entity: Cook County Department of Public Health, N/A Pass-Through Number: None; N/A Award Periods: May 1, 2023-November 30, 2026; July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023; Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6 outlines that the non-federal entity must verify that the agency in which it is entering into a contract is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: Legacy did not document that sam.gov was checked prior to entering into a contract with a vendor. Questioned Costs: None. Context: One (1) of two (2) vendors tested within 21.027 and two (2) of two (2) vendors within 93.224/93.527. Cause: Legacy did not create and maintain documentation showing that suspension and debarment had been checked prior to engaging a vendor. Effect: Contracted vendors may be ineligible to receive federal dollars for services performed. Repeat Finding: Yes. Prior Year Finding: 2023-006. Recommendation: We recommend that Legacy check, and document, the use of Sam.gov to verify that a vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction prior to entering into a contract. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2024-005 – Suspension and debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds; Health Center Program Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 21.027; 93.224/93.527 Pass-Through Entity: Cook County Department of Public Health, N/A Pass-Through Number: None; N/A Award Periods: May 1, 2023-November 30, 2026; July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023; Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6 outlines that the non-federal entity must verify that the agency in which it is entering into a contract is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: Legacy did not document that sam.gov was checked prior to entering into a contract with a vendor. Questioned Costs: None. Context: One (1) of two (2) vendors tested within 21.027 and two (2) of two (2) vendors within 93.224/93.527. Cause: Legacy did not create and maintain documentation showing that suspension and debarment had been checked prior to engaging a vendor. Effect: Contracted vendors may be ineligible to receive federal dollars for services performed. Repeat Finding: Yes. Prior Year Finding: 2023-006. Recommendation: We recommend that Legacy check, and document, the use of Sam.gov to verify that a vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction prior to entering into a contract. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2024-005 – Suspension and debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds; Health Center Program Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 21.027; 93.224/93.527 Pass-Through Entity: Cook County Department of Public Health, N/A Pass-Through Number: None; N/A Award Periods: May 1, 2023-November 30, 2026; July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023; Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6 outlines that the non-federal entity must verify that the agency in which it is entering into a contract is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: Legacy did not document that sam.gov was checked prior to entering into a contract with a vendor. Questioned Costs: None. Context: One (1) of two (2) vendors tested within 21.027 and two (2) of two (2) vendors within 93.224/93.527. Cause: Legacy did not create and maintain documentation showing that suspension and debarment had been checked prior to engaging a vendor. Effect: Contracted vendors may be ineligible to receive federal dollars for services performed. Repeat Finding: Yes. Prior Year Finding: 2023-006. Recommendation: We recommend that Legacy check, and document, the use of Sam.gov to verify that a vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction prior to entering into a contract. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2024-005 – Suspension and debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds; Health Center Program Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 21.027; 93.224/93.527 Pass-Through Entity: Cook County Department of Public Health, N/A Pass-Through Number: None; N/A Award Periods: May 1, 2023-November 30, 2026; July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023; Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Criteria: 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6 outlines that the non-federal entity must verify that the agency in which it is entering into a contract is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: Legacy did not document that sam.gov was checked prior to entering into a contract with a vendor. Questioned Costs: None. Context: One (1) of two (2) vendors tested within 21.027 and two (2) of two (2) vendors within 93.224/93.527. Cause: Legacy did not create and maintain documentation showing that suspension and debarment had been checked prior to engaging a vendor. Effect: Contracted vendors may be ineligible to receive federal dollars for services performed. Repeat Finding: Yes. Prior Year Finding: 2023-006. Recommendation: We recommend that Legacy check, and document, the use of Sam.gov to verify that a vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction prior to entering into a contract. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name 11.463, U.S. Department of Commerce, Habitat Conservation, Implementing Priority Fish Habitat Restoration Projects of GLFC Lake Committees Federal Award Identification Number and Year NA22NMF4630144 Pass through Entity Great Lakes Fishieries Commission Finding Type Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding No Criteria Entities should have controls in place to ensure that entities they plan to enter into a covered transaction with are not suspended or debarred, as identified in 2 CFR 200.212 and 200.318. Condition Controls in place were not adequate to ensure support for suspension and debarment check was retained. Questioned Costs None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed N/A Context During procurement testing, we identified one contract where support for suspension and debarment check was not able to be provided. Cause and Effect The Authority did not retain their suspension and debarment check. As a result, the Authority was not able to provide proper supporting documentation that they complied with checking SAM.gov for contract entered into. Recommendation We recommend the Authority put controls in place to ensure support for suspension and debarment checks are retained in contractor files. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Authority will put controls in place to require the retention of support for suspension and debarment checks.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.550 & 93.623 Federal Program Titles: Transitional Living for Homeless Youth; Basic Center Grant Award Period: October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations 2 CFR 200.318, General procurement standards, requires that non-Federal entities must have documented procurement procedures, consistent with State and local laws and regulations for the acquisition of property or services required under a federal award and subaward. The non-Federal entity’s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. Condition: During our testing, we noted that the Organization’s procurement policy did not address all of the identified requirements in 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. Questioned Costs: None. Context: In our review of the current procurement policy, The Adams Group, LLC noted the following: The policy did not include documented procedures for purchases above the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000) in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320b. The policy did not include documented procedures for the use and instances of noncompetitive procurement in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320c. The policy did not include documented procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318. We also noted that the Organization did not verify that the entities with which it entered into contracts were not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Effect: The Organization’s procurement policy is not in compliance with general procurement standards, and proper verification procedures for potentially suspended or debarred entities were not performed. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization update their procurement policy to address all requirements identified in 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.550 & 93.623 Federal Program Titles: Transitional Living for Homeless Youth; Basic Center Grant Award Period: October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations 2 CFR 200.318, General procurement standards, requires that non-Federal entities must have documented procurement procedures, consistent with State and local laws and regulations for the acquisition of property or services required under a federal award and subaward. The non-Federal entity’s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. Condition: During our testing, we noted that the Organization’s procurement policy did not address all of the identified requirements in 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. Questioned Costs: None. Context: In our review of the current procurement policy, The Adams Group, LLC noted the following: The policy did not include documented procedures for purchases above the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000) in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320b. The policy did not include documented procedures for the use and instances of noncompetitive procurement in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320c. The policy did not include documented procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318. We also noted that the Organization did not verify that the entities with which it entered into contracts were not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Effect: The Organization’s procurement policy is not in compliance with general procurement standards, and proper verification procedures for potentially suspended or debarred entities were not performed. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization update their procurement policy to address all requirements identified in 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Federal Program Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (21.027) Federal Award Number and Year – SLFRP2882, 2021 Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Material Weakness Criteria Uniform Guidance requires all non-federal entities, other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Non-federal entities are also prohibited from entering into a covered transaction equal to or exceeding $25,000 with a vendor who has been suspended or disbarred from receiving federal funds. Condition We noted during testing procurement, suspension, and debarment that the County doesn’t have a procurement policy that follows Uniform Guidance. We also noted during testing for suspension and debarment that 2 of our 2 vendors tested were not reviewed to ensure they were not suspended or disbarred from federal funds. Cause Lack of oversight by management. Questioned Costs None Context Uniform Guidance states “Review the non-federal entity’s procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.2096)”. During this review, we noted that during our testing of procurement, suspension, and debarment that the County doesn’t have a procurement policy that follows Uniform Guidance. We also noted during testing for suspension and debarment that 2 of our 2 vendors tested were not reviewed to ensure they were not suspended or disbarred from federal funds. Effect The County has an increased risk of not being compliance with federal procurement requirements and increased risk of entering into a covered transaction with a vendor who is suspended or disbarred from federal funds. Repeat Finding Yes – see 2022-005 Recommendation The County should update their Procurement Policy to include suspension and debarment verbiage. Views of Responsible Officials See Corrective Action Plan.
Procurement – Suspension and Debarment Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Health COVID-19 Detection and Mitigation of COVID-19 in Confinement Facilities, federal assistance listing number 93.323. Criteria: 2 CFR Sections 200.212, 200.318(h), and 180.300 and 48 CFR Section 52.209-6 state that a non-Federal entity must review that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs. Statement of Condition: During our testing for procurement compliance, it was determined that the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. did not verify that vendors charged to the major program are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs. Questioned Cost: None Statement of Cause: Management was not aware of the requirement to review an entity’s status. Statement of Effect: The New York State Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. is not in compliance with 2 CFR Sections 200.212, 200.318(h), and 180.300 and 48 CFR Section 52.209-6. As a result, the Association could enter into covered transactions with entities that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs. Repeat Finding: Yes Perspective Information: There was one vendor in excess of the $25,000 threshold which was reviewed to determine eligibility for participation noting they are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs. Recommendation: We recommend management review and document the verification that vendors are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Vendors will be reviewed and documented that they are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs by use of the System for Award Management (SAM), the Official U.S. Government system. Based on the timeline of the 2022 audit, many of the corrective actions were made in late Oct/November 2023.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name 11.463, U.S. Department of Commerce, Habitat Conservation, Implementing Priority Fish Habitat Restoration Projects of GLFC Lake Committees Federal Award Identification Number and Year NA22NMF4630144 Pass through Entity Great Lakes Fishieries Commission Finding Type Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding No Criteria Entities should have controls in place to ensure that entities they plan to enter into a covered transaction with are not suspended or debarred, as identified in 2 CFR 200.212 and 200.318. Condition Controls in place were not adequate to ensure support for suspension and debarment check was retained. Questioned Costs None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed N/A Context During procurement testing, we identified one contract where support for suspension and debarment check was not able to be provided. Cause and Effect The Authority did not retain their suspension and debarment check. As a result, the Authority was not able to provide proper supporting documentation that they complied with checking SAM.gov for contract entered into. Recommendation We recommend the Authority put controls in place to ensure support for suspension and debarment checks are retained in contractor files. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The Authority will put controls in place to require the retention of support for suspension and debarment checks.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.550 & 93.623 Federal Program Titles: Transitional Living for Homeless Youth; Basic Center Grant Award Period: October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations 2 CFR 200.318, General procurement standards, requires that non-Federal entities must have documented procurement procedures, consistent with State and local laws and regulations for the acquisition of property or services required under a federal award and subaward. The non-Federal entity’s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. Condition: During our testing, we noted that the Organization’s procurement policy did not address all of the identified requirements in 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. Questioned Costs: None. Context: In our review of the current procurement policy, The Adams Group, LLC noted the following: The policy did not include documented procedures for purchases above the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000) in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320b. The policy did not include documented procedures for the use and instances of noncompetitive procurement in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320c. The policy did not include documented procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318. We also noted that the Organization did not verify that the entities with which it entered into contracts were not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Effect: The Organization’s procurement policy is not in compliance with general procurement standards, and proper verification procedures for potentially suspended or debarred entities were not performed. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization update their procurement policy to address all requirements identified in 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.550 & 93.623 Federal Program Titles: Transitional Living for Homeless Youth; Basic Center Grant Award Period: October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations 2 CFR 200.318, General procurement standards, requires that non-Federal entities must have documented procurement procedures, consistent with State and local laws and regulations for the acquisition of property or services required under a federal award and subaward. The non-Federal entity’s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. Condition: During our testing, we noted that the Organization’s procurement policy did not address all of the identified requirements in 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. Questioned Costs: None. Context: In our review of the current procurement policy, The Adams Group, LLC noted the following: The policy did not include documented procedures for purchases above the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000) in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320b. The policy did not include documented procedures for the use and instances of noncompetitive procurement in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320c. The policy did not include documented procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded as outlined in 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318. We also noted that the Organization did not verify that the entities with which it entered into contracts were not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Effect: The Organization’s procurement policy is not in compliance with general procurement standards, and proper verification procedures for potentially suspended or debarred entities were not performed. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization update their procurement policy to address all requirements identified in 2 CFR 200.318 through 200.326. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Federal Program Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (21.027) Federal Award Number and Year – SLFRP2882, 2021 Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Material Weakness Criteria Uniform Guidance requires all non-federal entities, other than states must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.326. Non-federal entities are also prohibited from entering into a covered transaction equal to or exceeding $25,000 with a vendor who has been suspended or disbarred from receiving federal funds. Condition We noted during testing procurement, suspension, and debarment that the County doesn’t have a procurement policy that follows Uniform Guidance. We also noted during testing for suspension and debarment that 2 of our 2 vendors tested were not reviewed to ensure they were not suspended or disbarred from federal funds. Cause Lack of oversight by management. Questioned Costs None Context Uniform Guidance states “Review the non-federal entity’s procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.2096)”. During this review, we noted that during our testing of procurement, suspension, and debarment that the County doesn’t have a procurement policy that follows Uniform Guidance. We also noted during testing for suspension and debarment that 2 of our 2 vendors tested were not reviewed to ensure they were not suspended or disbarred from federal funds. Effect The County has an increased risk of not being compliance with federal procurement requirements and increased risk of entering into a covered transaction with a vendor who is suspended or disbarred from federal funds. Repeat Finding Yes – see 2022-005 Recommendation The County should update their Procurement Policy to include suspension and debarment verbiage. Views of Responsible Officials See Corrective Action Plan.
Procurement – Suspension and Debarment Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Health COVID-19 Detection and Mitigation of COVID-19 in Confinement Facilities, federal assistance listing number 93.323. Criteria: 2 CFR Sections 200.212, 200.318(h), and 180.300 and 48 CFR Section 52.209-6 state that a non-Federal entity must review that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs. Statement of Condition: During our testing for procurement compliance, it was determined that the New York State Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. did not verify that vendors charged to the major program are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs. Questioned Cost: None Statement of Cause: Management was not aware of the requirement to review an entity’s status. Statement of Effect: The New York State Sheriffs’ Association, Inc. is not in compliance with 2 CFR Sections 200.212, 200.318(h), and 180.300 and 48 CFR Section 52.209-6. As a result, the Association could enter into covered transactions with entities that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs. Repeat Finding: Yes Perspective Information: There was one vendor in excess of the $25,000 threshold which was reviewed to determine eligibility for participation noting they are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs. Recommendation: We recommend management review and document the verification that vendors are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Vendors will be reviewed and documented that they are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs by use of the System for Award Management (SAM), the Official U.S. Government system. Based on the timeline of the 2022 audit, many of the corrective actions were made in late Oct/November 2023.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Health Center Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 93.224/93.527 Federal Award Identification Number: H80CS12856 Award Periods: March 1, 2023 – February 29, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6 outlines that the non-Federal entity must verify that the agency in which it is entering into a contract is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: As a result of the lack of a suspension and debarment policy, the organization did not document that Sam.gov was checked prior to entering into a contract with a vendor. Questioned costs: None. Context: Five (5) of five (5) vendors selected for testing did not have evidence prior to contracting of a check for suspension and debarment. However, subsequent review showed evidence the vendors were not suspended and debarred. Cause: Employee turnover. Effect: Possible noncompliance with 2 CFR section 200.320(c)(1) - (3). Repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the organization retain documentation that Sam.gov was used to verify that a vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction prior to contract. The organization can keep screenshots that Sam.gov was checked or a PDF print out of the web page which includes the date verified. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name 20.509, U.S. Department of Transportation, Formula Grants for Rural Areas Federal Award Identification Number and Year MI 2020 008 07 Pass through Entity Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Finding Type Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding No Criteria Per 2 CFR 200.212 and 200.318, 2 CFR Section 180.300, and 48 CFR Section 52.209 6, recipients must have procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which they plan to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. They must also have procedures in place to ensure procurement policies are followed for all contracts that are partially or fully funded with federal funds. Condition Of the 40 contracts with a contractor, 2 were entered into without verification that the entity was not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Additionally, 2 of the 40 contracts tested did not have documentation to support that either the small purchase procedures were followed or the rationale for a noncompetitive solicitation was documented. Questioned Costs None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed N/A Context Of the sample of 40 contracts procured this year that we selected for testing, 2 of them did not include adequate documentation regarding review that the contractor was not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. The Authority has since confirmed, as of the date of the audit, that that contractor was not on the suspended or debarred list, and, therefore, there are no questioned costs. Also, 2 of the 40 samples selected did not have required support for the procurement method selected based on federal guidelines, as well as the Authority's purchasing policy. Cause and Effect Internal control procedures related to compliance with suspension and debarment requirements and to ensuring the procurement policy is followed and all factors documented properly did not operate effectively. As a result, the Authority did not perform procedures to ensure that a contractor is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from entering into contracts with federal funding. The Authority has since confirmed, as of the date of the audit, that that contractor was not on the suspended or debarred list, and, therefore, there are no questioned costs. The Authority also did not obtain price quotes, as required by the small purchases provision, or have the appropriate rationale, as required by the noncompetitive solicitation provision, before selecting a vendor for services. That resulted in insufficient documentation to support the procurement for the 1 contract. Recommendation Internal control procedures should be implemented to ensure that all contracts include verification that an entity is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded and that documentation of this review is maintained in the contract file. The Authority should also implement internal control procedures to ensure the proper documentation is kept in the procurement files to support any and all procurement decisions in accordance with the purchasing policy. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan Management will ensure that all contracts include verification that an entity is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded and maintain documentation of this review in the contract file. While our current internal controls already support this practice, we acknowledge that there were instances in which this was unintentionally missed. We are re educating procurement staff regarding the necessity of these verifications. Additionally, the contract in question related to emergency professional services in support of the Authority's response to the global pandemic. Due to the emergent situation, the ideal processes were not followed. We acknowledge that internal controls must be followed for all contracts, regardless of urgency. Furthermore, the contract should have been reevaluated when the public health emergency ended, and the processes used should have been fully documented. We will endeavor to have full documentation in the future.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Family Violence Prevention and Services Assistance Listing Number: 93.592 Award Period: 9/30/2022-9/29/2023 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency Criteria or specific requirement: Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 1800.30; 48 CFR section 52.209-6). Condition: The Organization did not perform a SAMS.gov suspension & debarment check for their contracted hotel vendors. Questioned costs: None. Context: Two out of the five samples were deficient. However, CLA elected to a SAMS.gov check on 2/22/24 and noted that both hotels that were selected (Talking Stick Resort and Isleta Resort & Casino) were not debarred. These vendors were not checked as NIWRC was not aware that checks were required for hotels, even when hotels are subject to a contracted agreement (e.g., being used as a venue). Cause: The Organization did not have a system in place to ensure the suspension & debarment compliance requirement was addressed for each applicable covered transactions. Effect: Contracts could be entered into with suspended or debarred vendors leading to noncompliance. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: CLA recommends the Organization increase training for those individuals involved in procurement and contract approval to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on all covered transactions. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2023-003 – COVID 19: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Awarding Agency – U.S. Department of the Treasury Assistance Listing Number – 21.027 FAIN – n/a Award Year – 2021 Questioned costs – none Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200 in general and 2 CFR sections 200.303(a) require non-Federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal controls over Federal awards, including the requirements for allowable costs, cost principles, and earmarking. The related compliance requirements are set in 2 CFR Part 200 sections 200.514(c), 200.212, 200.318(h), 200.332, 180.300 and subpart E; 48 CFR section 52.209-6; 31 CFR section 19.300; sections 602 and 603 of the Social Security Act as added by section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Pub. L. No. 117-2 as codified at 42 USC 802 and 803 and 31 CFR Part 35, federal awarding agency regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Condition: Controls related to calculation and reporting of lost revenue were not effective and the amount calculated as base year revenue was incorrectly reported. Cause: Base year calculation of revenue was performed using interim financial information and was not reconciled to final audited reports. Base year calculation of revenue was not clearly documented. Subsequent year revenue calculations were performed by a consultant who was not engaged to review the base year calculation. Controls over such calculations were not effective. Effect: Calculation of lost revenue was incorrectly reported. Expenditures related to the provision of government services related to such lost revenue did not exceed the actual lost revenue. Recommendation: We recommend that the City ensure that all controls for grants be documented in written procedures which should include the name or title of the positions responsible for each control (preparation, review, reconciliation, etc.) and that the performance of the controls be documented in a clear, reperformable manner including the name and date of each responsible individual and which specific control they performed over compliance for the grant.
2023-003 – COVID 19: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Awarding Agency – U.S. Department of the Treasury Assistance Listing Number – 21.027 FAIN – n/a Award Year – 2021 Questioned costs – none Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200 in general and 2 CFR sections 200.303(a) require non-Federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal controls over Federal awards, including the requirements for allowable costs, cost principles, and earmarking. The related compliance requirements are set in 2 CFR Part 200 sections 200.514(c), 200.212, 200.318(h), 200.332, 180.300 and subpart E; 48 CFR section 52.209-6; 31 CFR section 19.300; sections 602 and 603 of the Social Security Act as added by section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Pub. L. No. 117-2 as codified at 42 USC 802 and 803 and 31 CFR Part 35, federal awarding agency regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Condition: Controls related to calculation and reporting of lost revenue were not effective and the amount calculated as base year revenue was incorrectly reported. Cause: Base year calculation of revenue was performed using interim financial information and was not reconciled to final audited reports. Base year calculation of revenue was not clearly documented. Subsequent year revenue calculations were performed by a consultant who was not engaged to review the base year calculation. Controls over such calculations were not effective. Effect: Calculation of lost revenue was incorrectly reported. Expenditures related to the provision of government services related to such lost revenue did not exceed the actual lost revenue. Recommendation: We recommend that the City ensure that all controls for grants be documented in written procedures which should include the name or title of the positions responsible for each control (preparation, review, reconciliation, etc.) and that the performance of the controls be documented in a clear, reperformable manner including the name and date of each responsible individual and which specific control they performed over compliance for the grant.
Evaluating Potential Contractor for Debarment and Suspension Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name: Assistance Listing Number 93.696, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grant Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 1H79SM086491-01, Program Grant Period 09/29/2022-09/29/2023 Pass-through Entity: N/A Type: Material weakness in internal control and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding: No Criteria: A nonfederal entity must have adequate procedures in place to verify that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6). Condition: During procurement testing of the Certified Community Behavior Health Clinic Expansion Grant, we noted that the Board did not have documentation that sam.gov was reviewed to ensure the consultant utilized was not suspended or debarred. Identification of How Likely Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Known Questioned Costs: None. Subsequently, the sam.gov website was reviewed to ensure that the contractors were not suspended or debarred. Context: The consultant utilized for the Certified Community Behavior Health Clinic Expansion Grant project was not evaluated. Cause/Effect: The Board currently has a process for suspension and debarment for direct service providers only, and did not have controls in place to comply with suspension and debarment evaluation requirements for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grant or other federal funds outside of direct service providers. Recommendation: We recommend the Board implement adequate controls to ensure verification of debarment, suspension, or exclusion takes place before entering into covered transactions. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Plan: See attached corrective action plan.
2023-004: Evaluating Potential Contractor for Debarment and Suspension Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name: Assistance Listing Number 93.696, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grant Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 1H79SM086680-01, Program Grant Period 09/29/2022-09/29/2023 Pass-through Entity: N/A Type: Material weakness in internal control and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding: No Criteria: A nonfederal entity must have adequate procedures in place to verify that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CRF section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6). Condition: During procurement testing of the Certified Community Behavior Health Clinic Expansion Grant, we noted that the Authority did not have documentation that sam.gov was reviewed to ensure the consultant utilized was not suspended or debarred for two of the three contracts expended. The Authority checked suspension and debarment on the individual clinicians, however, did not check it for the company. Identification of How Likely Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Known Questioned Costs: None. Subsequently, the sam.gov was reviewed to ensure that the contractors were not suspended or debarred. Context: The consultant utilized for the Certified Community Behavior Health Clinic Expansion Grant project were not evaluated prior to the award of the contract. Cause/Effect: The Authority did not have controls in place to ensure timely compliance with the suspension and debarment evaluation requirements prior to the awarding of contracts for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grant or other federal funds. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority implement adequate controls to ensure verification of debarment, suspension, or exclusion takes place before entering covered transactions. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Plan: See attached corrective action plan.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name 20.509, U.S. Department of Transportation, Formula Grants for Rural Areas Federal Award Identification Number and Year MI 2020 008 07 Pass through Entity Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Finding Type Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding No Criteria Per 2 CFR 200.212 and 200.318, 2 CFR Section 180.300, and 48 CFR Section 52.209 6, recipients must have procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which they plan to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. They must also have procedures in place to ensure procurement policies are followed for all contracts that are partially or fully funded with federal funds. Condition Of the 40 contracts with a contractor, 2 were entered into without verification that the entity was not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Additionally, 2 of the 40 contracts tested did not have documentation to support that either the small purchase procedures were followed or the rationale for a noncompetitive solicitation was documented. Questioned Costs None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed N/A Context Of the sample of 40 contracts procured this year that we selected for testing, 2 of them did not include adequate documentation regarding review that the contractor was not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. The Authority has since confirmed, as of the date of the audit, that that contractor was not on the suspended or debarred list, and, therefore, there are no questioned costs. Also, 2 of the 40 samples selected did not have required support for the procurement method selected based on federal guidelines, as well as the Authority's purchasing policy. Cause and Effect Internal control procedures related to compliance with suspension and debarment requirements and to ensuring the procurement policy is followed and all factors documented properly did not operate effectively. As a result, the Authority did not perform procedures to ensure that a contractor is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from entering into contracts with federal funding. The Authority has since confirmed, as of the date of the audit, that that contractor was not on the suspended or debarred list, and, therefore, there are no questioned costs. The Authority also did not obtain price quotes, as required by the small purchases provision, or have the appropriate rationale, as required by the noncompetitive solicitation provision, before selecting a vendor for services. That resulted in insufficient documentation to support the procurement for the 1 contract. Recommendation Internal control procedures should be implemented to ensure that all contracts include verification that an entity is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded and that documentation of this review is maintained in the contract file. The Authority should also implement internal control procedures to ensure the proper documentation is kept in the procurement files to support any and all procurement decisions in accordance with the purchasing policy. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan Management will ensure that all contracts include verification that an entity is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded and maintain documentation of this review in the contract file. While our current internal controls already support this practice, we acknowledge that there were instances in which this was unintentionally missed. We are re educating procurement staff regarding the necessity of these verifications. Additionally, the contract in question related to emergency professional services in support of the Authority's response to the global pandemic. Due to the emergent situation, the ideal processes were not followed. We acknowledge that internal controls must be followed for all contracts, regardless of urgency. Furthermore, the contract should have been reevaluated when the public health emergency ended, and the processes used should have been fully documented. We will endeavor to have full documentation in the future.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Family Violence Prevention and Services Assistance Listing Number: 93.592 Award Period: 9/30/2022-9/29/2023 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency Criteria or specific requirement: Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 1800.30; 48 CFR section 52.209-6). Condition: The Organization did not perform a SAMS.gov suspension & debarment check for their contracted hotel vendors. Questioned costs: None. Context: Two out of the five samples were deficient. However, CLA elected to a SAMS.gov check on 2/22/24 and noted that both hotels that were selected (Talking Stick Resort and Isleta Resort & Casino) were not debarred. These vendors were not checked as NIWRC was not aware that checks were required for hotels, even when hotels are subject to a contracted agreement (e.g., being used as a venue). Cause: The Organization did not have a system in place to ensure the suspension & debarment compliance requirement was addressed for each applicable covered transactions. Effect: Contracts could be entered into with suspended or debarred vendors leading to noncompliance. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: CLA recommends the Organization increase training for those individuals involved in procurement and contract approval to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed on all covered transactions. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2023-003 – COVID 19: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Awarding Agency – U.S. Department of the Treasury Assistance Listing Number – 21.027 FAIN – n/a Award Year – 2021 Questioned costs – none Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200 in general and 2 CFR sections 200.303(a) require non-Federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal controls over Federal awards, including the requirements for allowable costs, cost principles, and earmarking. The related compliance requirements are set in 2 CFR Part 200 sections 200.514(c), 200.212, 200.318(h), 200.332, 180.300 and subpart E; 48 CFR section 52.209-6; 31 CFR section 19.300; sections 602 and 603 of the Social Security Act as added by section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Pub. L. No. 117-2 as codified at 42 USC 802 and 803 and 31 CFR Part 35, federal awarding agency regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Condition: Controls related to calculation and reporting of lost revenue were not effective and the amount calculated as base year revenue was incorrectly reported. Cause: Base year calculation of revenue was performed using interim financial information and was not reconciled to final audited reports. Base year calculation of revenue was not clearly documented. Subsequent year revenue calculations were performed by a consultant who was not engaged to review the base year calculation. Controls over such calculations were not effective. Effect: Calculation of lost revenue was incorrectly reported. Expenditures related to the provision of government services related to such lost revenue did not exceed the actual lost revenue. Recommendation: We recommend that the City ensure that all controls for grants be documented in written procedures which should include the name or title of the positions responsible for each control (preparation, review, reconciliation, etc.) and that the performance of the controls be documented in a clear, reperformable manner including the name and date of each responsible individual and which specific control they performed over compliance for the grant.
2023-003 – COVID 19: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Awarding Agency – U.S. Department of the Treasury Assistance Listing Number – 21.027 FAIN – n/a Award Year – 2021 Questioned costs – none Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200 in general and 2 CFR sections 200.303(a) require non-Federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal controls over Federal awards, including the requirements for allowable costs, cost principles, and earmarking. The related compliance requirements are set in 2 CFR Part 200 sections 200.514(c), 200.212, 200.318(h), 200.332, 180.300 and subpart E; 48 CFR section 52.209-6; 31 CFR section 19.300; sections 602 and 603 of the Social Security Act as added by section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Pub. L. No. 117-2 as codified at 42 USC 802 and 803 and 31 CFR Part 35, federal awarding agency regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Condition: Controls related to calculation and reporting of lost revenue were not effective and the amount calculated as base year revenue was incorrectly reported. Cause: Base year calculation of revenue was performed using interim financial information and was not reconciled to final audited reports. Base year calculation of revenue was not clearly documented. Subsequent year revenue calculations were performed by a consultant who was not engaged to review the base year calculation. Controls over such calculations were not effective. Effect: Calculation of lost revenue was incorrectly reported. Expenditures related to the provision of government services related to such lost revenue did not exceed the actual lost revenue. Recommendation: We recommend that the City ensure that all controls for grants be documented in written procedures which should include the name or title of the positions responsible for each control (preparation, review, reconciliation, etc.) and that the performance of the controls be documented in a clear, reperformable manner including the name and date of each responsible individual and which specific control they performed over compliance for the grant.
Evaluating Potential Contractor for Debarment and Suspension Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name: Assistance Listing Number 93.696, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grant Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 1H79SM086491-01, Program Grant Period 09/29/2022-09/29/2023 Pass-through Entity: N/A Type: Material weakness in internal control and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding: No Criteria: A nonfederal entity must have adequate procedures in place to verify that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CFR section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6). Condition: During procurement testing of the Certified Community Behavior Health Clinic Expansion Grant, we noted that the Board did not have documentation that sam.gov was reviewed to ensure the consultant utilized was not suspended or debarred. Identification of How Likely Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Known Questioned Costs: None. Subsequently, the sam.gov website was reviewed to ensure that the contractors were not suspended or debarred. Context: The consultant utilized for the Certified Community Behavior Health Clinic Expansion Grant project was not evaluated. Cause/Effect: The Board currently has a process for suspension and debarment for direct service providers only, and did not have controls in place to comply with suspension and debarment evaluation requirements for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grant or other federal funds outside of direct service providers. Recommendation: We recommend the Board implement adequate controls to ensure verification of debarment, suspension, or exclusion takes place before entering into covered transactions. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Plan: See attached corrective action plan.
2023-004: Evaluating Potential Contractor for Debarment and Suspension Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name: Assistance Listing Number 93.696, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grant Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 1H79SM086680-01, Program Grant Period 09/29/2022-09/29/2023 Pass-through Entity: N/A Type: Material weakness in internal control and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding: No Criteria: A nonfederal entity must have adequate procedures in place to verify that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded (2 CFR sections 200.212 and 200.318(h); 2 CRF section 180.300; 48 CFR section 52.209-6). Condition: During procurement testing of the Certified Community Behavior Health Clinic Expansion Grant, we noted that the Authority did not have documentation that sam.gov was reviewed to ensure the consultant utilized was not suspended or debarred for two of the three contracts expended. The Authority checked suspension and debarment on the individual clinicians, however, did not check it for the company. Identification of How Likely Questioned Costs Were Computed: N/A Known Questioned Costs: None. Subsequently, the sam.gov was reviewed to ensure that the contractors were not suspended or debarred. Context: The consultant utilized for the Certified Community Behavior Health Clinic Expansion Grant project were not evaluated prior to the award of the contract. Cause/Effect: The Authority did not have controls in place to ensure timely compliance with the suspension and debarment evaluation requirements prior to the awarding of contracts for the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Grant or other federal funds. Recommendation: We recommend the Authority implement adequate controls to ensure verification of debarment, suspension, or exclusion takes place before entering covered transactions. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action Plan: See attached corrective action plan.
Program Name - COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, U.S. Department of Treasury, Assistance Listing Number 21.027 Finding Type – Material Weakness in internal control and material noncompliance Criteria – Per 2 CFR section 180.300, the Organization needs to ensure there is a process to verify subrecipients are responsible entities who are not debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded, prior to entering into an agreement. Condition – During testing we noted the Organization did not retain support showing they had searched if an entity was debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded. Cause – Management wanted to quickly get funds to their subrecipients and failed to retain any documentation showing they performed a search verifying their subrecipients were not debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded prior to issuing a contract with federal funds. Effect – If an Organization fails to verify a subrecipient's status, it is possible the Organization could engage with any entity that was debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded. Questioned Costs – None Context – Before awarding subrecipient contacts using federal funds, the Organization should verify the recipient has not been debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded per 2 CFR Sections 200.212, 200.318(h) and 180.300 and 48 CFR section 52.209-6. We selected ten subrecipients for testing and management was unable to provide their search verification. However based on our testing at SAM.GOV, we noted none of the ten subrecipients were debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded. This results in no questioned costs. Recommendation – The Organization should expand its procedures to ensure support is retained showing the search results of its verification that every subrecipient is not debarred, suspected or otherwise excluded, before issuing a contract or subaward. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions – KYD Network and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Compliance Contractor will conduct a search to ensure all ARPA funded organizations have not been debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving federal funds prior to receiving ARPA summer program funds.
Program Name - COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, U.S. Department of Treasury, Assistance Listing Number 21.027 Finding Type – Material Weakness in internal control and material noncompliance Criteria – Per 2 CFR section 180.300, the Organization needs to ensure there is a process to verify subrecipients are responsible entities who are not debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded, prior to entering into an agreement. Condition – During testing we noted the Organization did not retain support showing they had searched if an entity was debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded. Cause – Management wanted to quickly get funds to their subrecipients and failed to retain any documentation showing they performed a search verifying their subrecipients were not debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded prior to issuing a contract with federal funds. Effect – If an Organization fails to verify a subrecipient's status, it is possible the Organization could engage with any entity that was debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded. Questioned Costs – None Context – Before awarding subrecipient contacts using federal funds, the Organization should verify the recipient has not been debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded per 2 CFR Sections 200.212, 200.318(h) and 180.300 and 48 CFR section 52.209-6. We selected ten subrecipients for testing and management was unable to provide their search verification. However based on our testing at SAM.GOV, we noted none of the ten subrecipients were debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded. This results in no questioned costs. Recommendation – The Organization should expand its procedures to ensure support is retained showing the search results of its verification that every subrecipient is not debarred, suspected or otherwise excluded, before issuing a contract or subaward. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions – KYD Network and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Compliance Contractor will conduct a search to ensure all ARPA funded organizations have not been debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving federal funds prior to receiving ARPA summer program funds.
Program Name - COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, U.S. Department of Treasury, Assistance Listing Number 21.027 Finding Type – Material Weakness in internal control and material noncompliance Criteria – Per 2 CFR section 180.300, the Organization needs to ensure there is a process to verify subrecipients are responsible entities who are not debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded, prior to entering into an agreement. Condition – During testing we noted the Organization did not retain support showing they had searched if an entity was debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded. Cause – Management wanted to quickly get funds to their subrecipients and failed to retain any documentation showing they performed a search verifying their subrecipients were not debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded prior to issuing a contract with federal funds. Effect – If an Organization fails to verify a subrecipient's status, it is possible the Organization could engage with any entity that was debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded. Questioned Costs – None Context – Before awarding subrecipient contacts using federal funds, the Organization should verify the recipient has not been debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded per 2 CFR Sections 200.212, 200.318(h) and 180.300 and 48 CFR section 52.209-6. We selected ten subrecipients for testing and management was unable to provide their search verification. However based on our testing at SAM.GOV, we noted none of the ten subrecipients were debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded. This results in no questioned costs. Recommendation – The Organization should expand its procedures to ensure support is retained showing the search results of its verification that every subrecipient is not debarred, suspected or otherwise excluded, before issuing a contract or subaward. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions – KYD Network and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Compliance Contractor will conduct a search to ensure all ARPA funded organizations have not been debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving federal funds prior to receiving ARPA summer program funds.
Program Name - COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, U.S. Department of Treasury, Assistance Listing Number 21.027 Finding Type – Material Weakness in internal control and material noncompliance Criteria – Per 2 CFR section 180.300, the Organization needs to ensure there is a process to verify subrecipients are responsible entities who are not debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded, prior to entering into an agreement. Condition – During testing we noted the Organization did not retain support showing they had searched if an entity was debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded. Cause – Management wanted to quickly get funds to their subrecipients and failed to retain any documentation showing they performed a search verifying their subrecipients were not debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded prior to issuing a contract with federal funds. Effect – If an Organization fails to verify a subrecipient's status, it is possible the Organization could engage with any entity that was debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded. Questioned Costs – None Context – Before awarding subrecipient contacts using federal funds, the Organization should verify the recipient has not been debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded per 2 CFR Sections 200.212, 200.318(h) and 180.300 and 48 CFR section 52.209-6. We selected ten subrecipients for testing and management was unable to provide their search verification. However based on our testing at SAM.GOV, we noted none of the ten subrecipients were debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded. This results in no questioned costs. Recommendation – The Organization should expand its procedures to ensure support is retained showing the search results of its verification that every subrecipient is not debarred, suspected or otherwise excluded, before issuing a contract or subaward. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions – KYD Network and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Compliance Contractor will conduct a search to ensure all ARPA funded organizations have not been debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving federal funds prior to receiving ARPA summer program funds.
Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 21 .027, Department of the Treasury, Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Federal Award Identification Number and Year - SLFRP2024-2001 Pass-through Entity - Not applicable Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - Yes 2022-002 Criteria - The City should ensure there is a process in place, prior to entering contracts with subrecipients, to verify that such subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded pursuant to 2 CFR Section 180.300. Condition - We noted during testing that the City had unintentionally omitted a subrecipient from its search to ensure that the subrecipient was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded pursuant to 2 CFR Section 180.300. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - Not applicable Context - From July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, any subrecipient with which the City entered into a contract using federal award funds should have been verified as not being suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded pursuant to 2 CFR Sections 200.212, 200.318(h), and 180.300 and 48 CFR Section 52.209-6. We selected three subrecipients for testing, and one lacked any verification. However, based on our testing, we noted that the one subrecipient was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded pursuant to 2 CFR Section 180.300, thereby creating no questioned costs. Cause and Effect - The City is required to verify that any subrecipient with which it plans to enter into a contract using federal award funds is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded pursuant to 2 CFR Section 180.300. The City did not complete this requirement due to timing of final approval of the subrecipient pass-through funds. Recommendation - We recommend that an additional internal control be put in place to ensure the dual verification of subrecipients occurs. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan - Procedures have already been put into place to ensure that each new contractor is not on the federal list of suspended and/or debarred contractors. Furthermore, all vendors previously paid have been searched for in the federal list, and none were suspended and/or debarred.
Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Title: Research and Development CFDA Number: Various Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance (Other Matters) Criteria or specific requirement: Per Uniform Guidance 2 CFR sections 200.212, 200.318(h) and 180.300, along with 48 CFR section 52.209-6, a non-federal entity must have procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Condition: The University could not produce documentation to show that they performed suspension and debarment verification procedures prior to contracting with the vendors. Questioned costs: None. Context: For 2 of vendors we tested, the University did not maintain documentation to demonstrate that verification procedures were performed prior to contracting with the vendors. However, the University was able to subsequently verify that the vendors were not suspended or debarred. Cause: While the University has suspension and debarment procedures in place, they did not document that the check had been completed for these 2 vendors. Effect: If verification procedures are not performed in a timely manner, the University could enter into contracts with vendors who are suspended or debarred and risk noncompliance and/or disallowed costs. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University document suspension and debarment procedures going forward for any aggregate disbursements with vendors greater than $25,000. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Management has addressed their corrective action plan in a separately issued letter.
Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Title: Research and Development CFDA Number: Various Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance (Other Matters) Criteria or specific requirement: Per Uniform Guidance 2 CFR sections 200.212, 200.318(h) and 180.300, along with 48 CFR section 52.209-6, a non-federal entity must have procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Condition: The University could not produce documentation to show that they performed suspension and debarment verification procedures prior to contracting with the vendors. Questioned costs: None. Context: For 2 of vendors we tested, the University did not maintain documentation to demonstrate that verification procedures were performed prior to contracting with the vendors. However, the University was able to subsequently verify that the vendors were not suspended or debarred. Cause: While the University has suspension and debarment procedures in place, they did not document that the check had been completed for these 2 vendors. Effect: If verification procedures are not performed in a timely manner, the University could enter into contracts with vendors who are suspended or debarred and risk noncompliance and/or disallowed costs. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University document suspension and debarment procedures going forward for any aggregate disbursements with vendors greater than $25,000. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Management has addressed their corrective action plan in a separately issued letter.
Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Title: Research and Development CFDA Number: Various Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance (Other Matters) Criteria or specific requirement: Per Uniform Guidance 2 CFR sections 200.212, 200.318(h) and 180.300, along with 48 CFR section 52.209-6, a non-federal entity must have procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Condition: The University could not produce documentation to show that they performed suspension and debarment verification procedures prior to contracting with the vendors. Questioned costs: None. Context: For 2 of vendors we tested, the University did not maintain documentation to demonstrate that verification procedures were performed prior to contracting with the vendors. However, the University was able to subsequently verify that the vendors were not suspended or debarred. Cause: While the University has suspension and debarment procedures in place, they did not document that the check had been completed for these 2 vendors. Effect: If verification procedures are not performed in a timely manner, the University could enter into contracts with vendors who are suspended or debarred and risk noncompliance and/or disallowed costs. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University document suspension and debarment procedures going forward for any aggregate disbursements with vendors greater than $25,000. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Management has addressed their corrective action plan in a separately issued letter.
Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Title: Research and Development CFDA Number: Various Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance (Other Matters) Criteria or specific requirement: Per Uniform Guidance 2 CFR sections 200.212, 200.318(h) and 180.300, along with 48 CFR section 52.209-6, a non-federal entity must have procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Condition: The University could not produce documentation to show that they performed suspension and debarment verification procedures prior to contracting with the vendors. Questioned costs: None. Context: For 2 of vendors we tested, the University did not maintain documentation to demonstrate that verification procedures were performed prior to contracting with the vendors. However, the University was able to subsequently verify that the vendors were not suspended or debarred. Cause: While the University has suspension and debarment procedures in place, they did not document that the check had been completed for these 2 vendors. Effect: If verification procedures are not performed in a timely manner, the University could enter into contracts with vendors who are suspended or debarred and risk noncompliance and/or disallowed costs. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University document suspension and debarment procedures going forward for any aggregate disbursements with vendors greater than $25,000. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Management has addressed their corrective action plan in a separately issued letter.
Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Title: Research and Development CFDA Number: Various Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance (Other Matters) Criteria or specific requirement: Per Uniform Guidance 2 CFR sections 200.212, 200.318(h) and 180.300, along with 48 CFR section 52.209-6, a non-federal entity must have procedures for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. Condition: The University could not produce documentation to show that they performed suspension and debarment verification procedures prior to contracting with the vendors. Questioned costs: None. Context: For 2 of vendors we tested, the University did not maintain documentation to demonstrate that verification procedures were performed prior to contracting with the vendors. However, the University was able to subsequently verify that the vendors were not suspended or debarred. Cause: While the University has suspension and debarment procedures in place, they did not document that the check had been completed for these 2 vendors. Effect: If verification procedures are not performed in a timely manner, the University could enter into contracts with vendors who are suspended or debarred and risk noncompliance and/or disallowed costs. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University document suspension and debarment procedures going forward for any aggregate disbursements with vendors greater than $25,000. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Management has addressed their corrective action plan in a separately issued letter.