Reporting a determination that an applicant is not qualified for a Federal award.
Agency: Employment and Training Administration Office of Grants Management ALN: 17.289 Federal Award Identification Number: 23A60C9000032-01-00 Criteria: According to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 200.213, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred. The non-federal entity must verify that the contractor or subrecipient is not suspended or debarred through the System for Award Management (SAM), which includes reviewing the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), or by collecting a certification from the entity. In addition, the Entity must conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. Condition and Context: The Entity failed to perform the required search for suspension and debarment in SAM for the two contractors tested and did not conduct a full and open competition for the services provided prior to awarding a contract under the federal program. The search should have been performed to ensure that the contractor was not suspended or debarred. Cause: The Entity has a procurement policy. However, the Entity did not follow that policy related to these two contractors. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Entity implement and adhere to a strict protocol for verifying suspension and debarment status and conduct an open and competitive bidding process prior to awarding any contracts or subawards under federal programs. We also recommend that suspension and debarment be included in the Entity’s procurement policy. In addition, the Entity should maintain documentation of the results of the searches, and the competitive bidding process and results to be in compliance. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: See attached corrective action plan. Questioned Costs: None
2024-001 – The Organization did not have a process to determine if vendors were suspended or barred from receiving federal funds Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Period: 07/01/2023 to 12/31/2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Compliance for Each Major Program Criteria or Specific Requirement: According to 2 CFR 200.213, non-federal entities must ensure that they do not enter into any contracts or subcontracts with parties that are suspended or debarred. This requires the establishment of procedures to review the eligibility of vendors, including subawaredees before engaging in any contractual agreements. Condition: Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers does not have a formal suspension and debarment procedure in place to review vendors. This lack of procedure increases the risk of engaging in contractual relationships with entities that are suspended or debarred, which is a violation of federal regulations. Questioned Costs: Indeterminable Context: During the audit period, the Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers entered into agreements with vendors without performing suspension and debarment reviews. During the engagement we did not note any transactions involving vendors who were suspended or debarred.Cause: The primary cause of this finding is the lack of awareness of federal requirements concerning suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: Failing to implement a suspension and debarment procedure exposes Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers to risks, including potential financial losses, reputational damage, and non-compliance with federal regulations. This non-compliance could result in penalties and a loss of federal funding. Repeat Finding: No Auditor’s Recommendation: It is recommended that Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers develop and implement a suspension and debarment procedure to review the eligibility of vendors before entering into contracts. Training should be provided to all relevant staff to ensure awareness and compliance with federal requirements. Additionally, periodic monitoring and internal audits should be conducted to ensure adherence to the established procedures. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management acknowledges the finding and agrees with the recommendation. Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers will develop and implement a formal suspension and debarment procedure within the next three months. Training sessions will be conducted for all procurement staff to ensure understanding and compliance with the new procedure. Furthermore, periodic reviews will be instituted to monitor adherence to these requirements and to prevent the recurrence of this issue.
Finding No. 2024-002: Procurement – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ALN: 14.251 Federal Award Identification Number: B-22-CP-PA-0807 Criteria: According to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 200.213, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred. The non-federal entity must verify that the contractor or subrecipient is not suspended or debarred through the System for Award Management (SAM), which includes reviewing the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), or by collecting a certification from the entity. In addition, the Organization must conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. Condition and Context: We tested two vendors as part of procurement testing. The Organization failed to perform the required search for suspension and debarment in SAM for both vendors. The search should have been performed to ensure that the contractors were not suspended or debarred. For one of the two vendors tested, the Organization did not conduct a full and open competition for the services provided prior to awarding a contract under the federal program. Cause: The Organization has a procurement policy. However, for the one vendor that did not go through a competitive bidding process, the Organization did not follow that policy. The selection was based on relationship, qualifications, and competitive fee. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement and adhere to a strict protocol for verifying suspension and debarment status and conduct an open and competitive bidding process prior to awarding any contracts or subawards under federal programs. We also recommend that suspension and debarment be included in the Organization’s procurement policy. In addition, the Organization should maintain documentation of the results of the searches, and the competitive bidding process and results to be in compliance. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: See attached corrective action plan. Questioned Costs: None
Finding 2024-004: Non-Compliance with Suspension and Debarment (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: 93.368 Criteria: 2 CFR §200.213 non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. The non-Federal entity must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified, by (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Condition: We noted that while the Foundation does conduct screenings on all vendors, suppliers and consultants, the date that the screening is conducted is not documented. As such, we are unable to determine if the screening was conducted prior to payment or signing of the contract. Cause: The Foundation does not require that the date the screening is conducted be documented. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to screen potential and current vendors, suppliers or contractors prior to payment or contract signing increases the potential that Federal funds be inadvertently provided to parties deemed to be suspended or disbarred by the United States Government. Questioned Costs: None noted. Context: Our audit procedures consisted of testwork completed on individual expenditures charged to the Federal awards. The report in which samples were selected was generated directly from the Foundation's general ledger (accounting system). We consider our sample to be representative of the population. The condition appeared to be systematic in nature. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Foundation revise their policy regarding suspension and debarment to require that all screenings are accompanied by the documented date in which they were conducted.
Significant Deficiencies 2024-004 Child Nutrition Cluster – Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Cluster (National School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, School Lunch Program Supply Chain- COVID 19 Assistance Listing numbers 10.553 and 10.555) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: CFR Section 200.318 stipulates that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in Part 200 Subpart D. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management and testing of various vendors, we noted that the District is not following its procurement procedures for the Child Nutrition program purchases and is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.318 and Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performed required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected or the District could be overpaying for goods and services. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As part of required procurement testing, a review of vendors charged to the school lunch fund and therefore represented purchases with federal dollars was performed. Of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that their procurement procedures are being followed and that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The District will review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that the procurement procedures are being followed and perform a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. This was identified as part of the Administrative Review conducted in November 2023 by the NYS Education Department (Child Nutrition Program). The District has already started the process of working on corrective action.
Significant Deficiencies 2024-004 Child Nutrition Cluster – Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Cluster (National School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, School Lunch Program Supply Chain- COVID 19 Assistance Listing numbers 10.553 and 10.555) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: CFR Section 200.318 stipulates that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in Part 200 Subpart D. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management and testing of various vendors, we noted that the District is not following its procurement procedures for the Child Nutrition program purchases and is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.318 and Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performed required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected or the District could be overpaying for goods and services. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As part of required procurement testing, a review of vendors charged to the school lunch fund and therefore represented purchases with federal dollars was performed. Of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that their procurement procedures are being followed and that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The District will review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that the procurement procedures are being followed and perform a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. This was identified as part of the Administrative Review conducted in November 2023 by the NYS Education Department (Child Nutrition Program). The District has already started the process of working on corrective action.
Significant Deficiencies 2024-004 Child Nutrition Cluster – Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Cluster (National School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, School Lunch Program Supply Chain- COVID 19 Assistance Listing numbers 10.553 and 10.555) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: CFR Section 200.318 stipulates that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in Part 200 Subpart D. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management and testing of various vendors, we noted that the District is not following its procurement procedures for the Child Nutrition program purchases and is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.318 and Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performed required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected or the District could be overpaying for goods and services. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As part of required procurement testing, a review of vendors charged to the school lunch fund and therefore represented purchases with federal dollars was performed. Of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that their procurement procedures are being followed and that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The District will review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that the procurement procedures are being followed and perform a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. This was identified as part of the Administrative Review conducted in November 2023 by the NYS Education Department (Child Nutrition Program). The District has already started the process of working on corrective action.
Significant Deficiencies 2024-004 Child Nutrition Cluster – Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Cluster (National School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, School Lunch Program Supply Chain- COVID 19 Assistance Listing numbers 10.553 and 10.555) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: CFR Section 200.318 stipulates that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in Part 200 Subpart D. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management and testing of various vendors, we noted that the District is not following its procurement procedures for the Child Nutrition program purchases and is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.318 and Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performed required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected or the District could be overpaying for goods and services. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As part of required procurement testing, a review of vendors charged to the school lunch fund and therefore represented purchases with federal dollars was performed. Of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that their procurement procedures are being followed and that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The District will review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that the procurement procedures are being followed and perform a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. This was identified as part of the Administrative Review conducted in November 2023 by the NYS Education Department (Child Nutrition Program). The District has already started the process of working on corrective action.
Special Education Cluster – Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Education Special Education Cluster (Special Education – Grants to State (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education – Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) Assistance Listing numbers 84.027 and 84.173) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: CFR Section 200.318 stipulates that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in Part 200 Subpart D. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management and testing of various vendors, we noted that the District is not following its procurement procedures for the Special Education program purchases and is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.318 and Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performed required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected or the District could be overpaying for goods and services. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As part of required procurement testing, a review of vendors charged to the special education cluster and therefore represents purchases with federal dollars was performed. Of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that their procurement procedures are being followed and that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: As of November 1, 2024, the District will have implemented a process to determine the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities prior to disbursing funds.
Special Education Cluster – Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Education Special Education Cluster (Special Education – Grants to State (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education – Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) Assistance Listing numbers 84.027 and 84.173) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: CFR Section 200.318 stipulates that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in Part 200 Subpart D. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management and testing of various vendors, we noted that the District is not following its procurement procedures for the Special Education program purchases and is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.318 and Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performed required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected or the District could be overpaying for goods and services. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As part of required procurement testing, a review of vendors charged to the special education cluster and therefore represents purchases with federal dollars was performed. Of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that their procurement procedures are being followed and that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: As of November 1, 2024, the District will have implemented a process to determine the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities prior to disbursing funds.
Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Cluster (National School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, School Lunch Program Supply Chain- COVID 19 Assistance Listing numbers 10.553 and 10.555) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal Assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management, we noted that the District is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performing required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As a result of inquiry, the District performed a review of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, and none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. This should be verified on an annual basis. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Bethlehem Central School District appreciates the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District's recent review of vendors indicated that there weren't any instances of ineligibility for participation in Federal assistance programs. To ensure formalized compliance, the District is updating procurement procedures which will highlight that the Purchasing Agent will check the SAMS Debarment and Suspension website on an annual basis. Results from this annual check will be logged and shared with both the Treasurer and Chief Business and Financial Officer and will be available for access by auditors or the public. Ineligible vendors, as noted on the SAMS website, will be removed from the District's financial management system. Implementation Date - Effective immediately.
Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Cluster (National School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, School Lunch Program Supply Chain- COVID 19 Assistance Listing numbers 10.553 and 10.555) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal Assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management, we noted that the District is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performing required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As a result of inquiry, the District performed a review of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, and none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. This should be verified on an annual basis. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Bethlehem Central School District appreciates the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District's recent review of vendors indicated that there weren't any instances of ineligibility for participation in Federal assistance programs. To ensure formalized compliance, the District is updating procurement procedures which will highlight that the Purchasing Agent will check the SAMS Debarment and Suspension website on an annual basis. Results from this annual check will be logged and shared with both the Treasurer and Chief Business and Financial Officer and will be available for access by auditors or the public. Ineligible vendors, as noted on the SAMS website, will be removed from the District's financial management system. Implementation Date - Effective immediately.
Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Cluster (National School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, School Lunch Program Supply Chain- COVID 19 Assistance Listing numbers 10.553 and 10.555) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal Assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management, we noted that the District is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performing required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As a result of inquiry, the District performed a review of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, and none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. This should be verified on an annual basis. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Bethlehem Central School District appreciates the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District's recent review of vendors indicated that there weren't any instances of ineligibility for participation in Federal assistance programs. To ensure formalized compliance, the District is updating procurement procedures which will highlight that the Purchasing Agent will check the SAMS Debarment and Suspension website on an annual basis. Results from this annual check will be logged and shared with both the Treasurer and Chief Business and Financial Officer and will be available for access by auditors or the public. Ineligible vendors, as noted on the SAMS website, will be removed from the District's financial management system. Implementation Date - Effective immediately.
Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Cluster (National School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, School Lunch Program Supply Chain- COVID 19 Assistance Listing numbers 10.553 and 10.555) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal Assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management, we noted that the District is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performing required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As a result of inquiry, the District performed a review of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, and none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. This should be verified on an annual basis. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Bethlehem Central School District appreciates the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District's recent review of vendors indicated that there weren't any instances of ineligibility for participation in Federal assistance programs. To ensure formalized compliance, the District is updating procurement procedures which will highlight that the Purchasing Agent will check the SAMS Debarment and Suspension website on an annual basis. Results from this annual check will be logged and shared with both the Treasurer and Chief Business and Financial Officer and will be available for access by auditors or the public. Ineligible vendors, as noted on the SAMS website, will be removed from the District's financial management system. Implementation Date - Effective immediately.
2024-005 Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Cluster (National School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, and Special Milk Program for Children CFDA No. 10.553, 10.555, and 10.556) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: CFR Section 200.318 stipulates that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in Part 200 Subpart D. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management and reverification of use of same vendors as previous year, we noted that the District is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. They are however, checking the status of any new vendors. In addition, the District does not have any procedures in place to verify purchases against the bidding documents for pricing. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.318 and Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performing required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected or the District could be overpaying for goods and services. The District could also be overpaying for goods as the bid documentation is not being verified against the purchases made. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As part of required follow up of prior year audit findings, a review of vendors charged to the school lunch fund and therefore represent purchases with federal dollars was performed. Of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. As part of the current Child Nutrition testing, certain vendors were tested with their purchases being agreed back to the bidding documentation obtained. Some instances, the items were not listed on the bidding documentation or the prices paid were higher than the bid price. Repeat Finding: Yes Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. The District should also implement procedures to verify their purchases against bidding documentation to ensure that they are paying the correct, bid upon price for their purchases. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The District will monitor vendors to ensure they are able to accept federal monies.
2024-005 Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Cluster (National School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, and Special Milk Program for Children CFDA No. 10.553, 10.555, and 10.556) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: CFR Section 200.318 stipulates that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in Part 200 Subpart D. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management and reverification of use of same vendors as previous year, we noted that the District is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. They are however, checking the status of any new vendors. In addition, the District does not have any procedures in place to verify purchases against the bidding documents for pricing. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.318 and Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performing required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected or the District could be overpaying for goods and services. The District could also be overpaying for goods as the bid documentation is not being verified against the purchases made. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As part of required follow up of prior year audit findings, a review of vendors charged to the school lunch fund and therefore represent purchases with federal dollars was performed. Of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. As part of the current Child Nutrition testing, certain vendors were tested with their purchases being agreed back to the bidding documentation obtained. Some instances, the items were not listed on the bidding documentation or the prices paid were higher than the bid price. Repeat Finding: Yes Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. The District should also implement procedures to verify their purchases against bidding documentation to ensure that they are paying the correct, bid upon price for their purchases. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The District will monitor vendors to ensure they are able to accept federal monies.
2024-005 Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Cluster (National School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, and Special Milk Program for Children CFDA No. 10.553, 10.555, and 10.556) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: CFR Section 200.318 stipulates that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in Part 200 Subpart D. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management and reverification of use of same vendors as previous year, we noted that the District is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. They are however, checking the status of any new vendors. In addition, the District does not have any procedures in place to verify purchases against the bidding documents for pricing. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.318 and Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performing required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected or the District could be overpaying for goods and services. The District could also be overpaying for goods as the bid documentation is not being verified against the purchases made. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As part of required follow up of prior year audit findings, a review of vendors charged to the school lunch fund and therefore represent purchases with federal dollars was performed. Of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. As part of the current Child Nutrition testing, certain vendors were tested with their purchases being agreed back to the bidding documentation obtained. Some instances, the items were not listed on the bidding documentation or the prices paid were higher than the bid price. Repeat Finding: Yes Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. The District should also implement procedures to verify their purchases against bidding documentation to ensure that they are paying the correct, bid upon price for their purchases. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The District will monitor vendors to ensure they are able to accept federal monies.
2024-005 Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement Information on Federal Program: U.S Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Cluster (National School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, and Special Milk Program for Children CFDA No. 10.553, 10.555, and 10.556) passed through the New York State Education Department. Criteria: CFR Section 200.318 stipulates that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards identified in Part 200 Subpart D. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.213 stipulates that no awards, subawards, or contracts be awarded to parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Statement of Condition: During our discussions with management and reverification of use of same vendors as previous year, we noted that the District is not verifying the eligibility of vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs on an annual basis. They are however, checking the status of any new vendors. In addition, the District does not have any procedures in place to verify purchases against the bidding documents for pricing. Statement of Cause: The District did not review compliance requirements related to procurement outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.318 and Section 200.213. Statement of Effect: The District is not in compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213. The District is not performing required procedures, as a result, vendors that are not eligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities could be selected or the District could be overpaying for goods and services. The District could also be overpaying for goods as the bid documentation is not being verified against the purchases made. Questioned Costs: None Perspective Information: As part of required follow up of prior year audit findings, a review of vendors charged to the school lunch fund and therefore represent purchases with federal dollars was performed. Of the District’s vendors charged to the fund, none were suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. As part of the current Child Nutrition testing, certain vendors were tested with their purchases being agreed back to the bidding documentation obtained. Some instances, the items were not listed on the bidding documentation or the prices paid were higher than the bid price. Repeat Finding: Yes Recommendation: We recommend that the District review the requirements of 2 CFR Section 200.213 and ensure that a review of the eligibility of potential vendors to participate in Federal assistance programs or activities is performed prior to disbursing funds to the vendor. The District should also implement procedures to verify their purchases against bidding documentation to ensure that they are paying the correct, bid upon price for their purchases. Views of the Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The District will monitor vendors to ensure they are able to accept federal monies.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027/84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various Pass-Through Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Education Pass-Through Number(s): 12060-SDE64370-20977 Award Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025 Federal Agency: United States Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: COVID 19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various Direct Award: $7,065,073 Pass-Through Agency Award: State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management: $2,305,990 Pass-Through Number(s): 12060-OPM20600-29669 Award Period: March 3, 2021 – December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (UG) requires compliance with the provisions of procurement, suspension, and debarment. Condition: The City of Norwich did not have adequate internal controls designed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.213. Questioned costs: N/A Context: It was noted that the vendors tested were not on the suspended or debarred vendor list maintained by the General Services Administration. However, there was no documentation for 8 out of the 9 vendors tested that the City reviewed the vendors’ status prior to awarding the contract. Cause: The Board of Education did not retain documentation of their review that the vendor were not suspended or debarred. Effect: We noted no instances of noncompliance with the provisions of procurement, suspension, and debarment; however, the lack of internal controls over these compliance requirements provides an opportunity for noncompliance. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the City of Norwich design controls to ensure an adequate review process is in place to review potential contractors to determine they are not suspended or debarred in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.213. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027/84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various Pass-Through Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Education Pass-Through Number(s): 12060-SDE64370-20977 Award Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025 Federal Agency: United States Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: COVID 19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various Direct Award: $7,065,073 Pass-Through Agency Award: State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management: $2,305,990 Pass-Through Number(s): 12060-OPM20600-29669 Award Period: March 3, 2021 – December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (UG) requires compliance with the provisions of procurement, suspension, and debarment. Condition: The City of Norwich did not have adequate internal controls designed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.213. Questioned costs: N/A Context: It was noted that the vendors tested were not on the suspended or debarred vendor list maintained by the General Services Administration. However, there was no documentation for 8 out of the 9 vendors tested that the City reviewed the vendors’ status prior to awarding the contract. Cause: The Board of Education did not retain documentation of their review that the vendor were not suspended or debarred. Effect: We noted no instances of noncompliance with the provisions of procurement, suspension, and debarment; however, the lack of internal controls over these compliance requirements provides an opportunity for noncompliance. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the City of Norwich design controls to ensure an adequate review process is in place to review potential contractors to determine they are not suspended or debarred in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.213. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027/84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various Pass-Through Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Education Pass-Through Number(s): 12060-SDE64370-20977 Award Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025 Federal Agency: United States Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: COVID 19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various Direct Award: $7,065,073 Pass-Through Agency Award: State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management: $2,305,990 Pass-Through Number(s): 12060-OPM20600-29669 Award Period: March 3, 2021 – December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (UG) requires compliance with the provisions of procurement, suspension, and debarment. Condition: The City of Norwich did not have adequate internal controls designed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.213. Questioned costs: N/A Context: It was noted that the vendors tested were not on the suspended or debarred vendor list maintained by the General Services Administration. However, there was no documentation for 8 out of the 9 vendors tested that the City reviewed the vendors’ status prior to awarding the contract. Cause: The Board of Education did not retain documentation of their review that the vendor were not suspended or debarred. Effect: We noted no instances of noncompliance with the provisions of procurement, suspension, and debarment; however, the lack of internal controls over these compliance requirements provides an opportunity for noncompliance. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the City of Norwich design controls to ensure an adequate review process is in place to review potential contractors to determine they are not suspended or debarred in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.213. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: United States Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Number: 84.027/84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various Pass-Through Agency: State of Connecticut Department of Education Pass-Through Number(s): 12060-SDE64370-20977 Award Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2025 Federal Agency: United States Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: COVID 19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Various Direct Award: $7,065,073 Pass-Through Agency Award: State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management: $2,305,990 Pass-Through Number(s): 12060-OPM20600-29669 Award Period: March 3, 2021 – December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (UG) requires compliance with the provisions of procurement, suspension, and debarment. Condition: The City of Norwich did not have adequate internal controls designed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.213. Questioned costs: N/A Context: It was noted that the vendors tested were not on the suspended or debarred vendor list maintained by the General Services Administration. However, there was no documentation for 8 out of the 9 vendors tested that the City reviewed the vendors’ status prior to awarding the contract. Cause: The Board of Education did not retain documentation of their review that the vendor were not suspended or debarred. Effect: We noted no instances of noncompliance with the provisions of procurement, suspension, and debarment; however, the lack of internal controls over these compliance requirements provides an opportunity for noncompliance. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the City of Norwich design controls to ensure an adequate review process is in place to review potential contractors to determine they are not suspended or debarred in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.213. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2024-001 Material Weakness, Compliance and Internal Control Over Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Compliance CFDA 93.676 - Unaccompanied Children Program Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pass-Through Entity: Global Refuge and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services Criteria Or Specific Requirement: The organization must adhere to the procurement methods outlined in 2 CFR 200.320, using informal procedures for small purchases, formal methods (sealed bids or proposals) for larger ones, or noncompetitive methods as appropriate. The organization is responsible for establishing processes and procedures for each method and maintaining relevant documentation. Additionally, as per 2 CFR 200.213, the organization must not contract with suspended or debarred parties. Before entering into a covered transaction, the organization must verify the eligibility of the potential contractor. Condition: The Organization has not ensured compliance with appropriate procurement methods, retention of necessary documents and decisions, or pre-contractual review for suspension and debarment requirements. Cause: The Organization lacks sufficient policies and controls to ensure compliance with Federal procurement, suspension, and debarment regulations. Effect: The Organization's failure to fully comply with procurement, suspension and debarment requirements could have led to contracts with suspended or debarred parties or contracts awarded through improper methods. Questioned Costs: Not applicable Context: Three of the five contracts reviewed lacked sufficient documentation to support the procurement methodology used. While no payments were made to debarred parties, the absence of a policy or procedure to prevent such occurrences poses a significant risk. Identification As A Repeat Finding: N/A Recommendation: We recommend that Organization implement internal policies to identify appropriate procurement methodologies, conduct regular suspension and debarment checks, maintain adequate file documentation to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension/debarment regulations and prevent contracts with ineligible parties. Views Of Responsible Officials And Planned Corrective Action: The Organization agrees with the finding and has put together a corrective action plan for the finding. See corrective action plan included in this report.
Finding 2024-001 Material Weakness, Compliance and Internal Control Over Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Compliance CFDA 93.676 - Unaccompanied Children Program Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pass-Through Entity: Global Refuge and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services Criteria Or Specific Requirement: The organization must adhere to the procurement methods outlined in 2 CFR 200.320, using informal procedures for small purchases, formal methods (sealed bids or proposals) for larger ones, or noncompetitive methods as appropriate. The organization is responsible for establishing processes and procedures for each method and maintaining relevant documentation. Additionally, as per 2 CFR 200.213, the organization must not contract with suspended or debarred parties. Before entering into a covered transaction, the organization must verify the eligibility of the potential contractor. Condition: The Organization has not ensured compliance with appropriate procurement methods, retention of necessary documents and decisions, or pre-contractual review for suspension and debarment requirements. Cause: The Organization lacks sufficient policies and controls to ensure compliance with Federal procurement, suspension, and debarment regulations. Effect: The Organization's failure to fully comply with procurement, suspension and debarment requirements could have led to contracts with suspended or debarred parties or contracts awarded through improper methods. Questioned Costs: Not applicable Context: Three of the five contracts reviewed lacked sufficient documentation to support the procurement methodology used. While no payments were made to debarred parties, the absence of a policy or procedure to prevent such occurrences poses a significant risk. Identification As A Repeat Finding: N/A Recommendation: We recommend that Organization implement internal policies to identify appropriate procurement methodologies, conduct regular suspension and debarment checks, maintain adequate file documentation to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension/debarment regulations and prevent contracts with ineligible parties. Views Of Responsible Officials And Planned Corrective Action: The Organization agrees with the finding and has put together a corrective action plan for the finding. See corrective action plan included in this report.
Finding 2024-001 Material Weakness, Compliance and Internal Control Over Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Compliance CFDA 93.676 - Unaccompanied Children Program Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pass-Through Entity: Global Refuge and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services Criteria Or Specific Requirement: The organization must adhere to the procurement methods outlined in 2 CFR 200.320, using informal procedures for small purchases, formal methods (sealed bids or proposals) for larger ones, or noncompetitive methods as appropriate. The organization is responsible for establishing processes and procedures for each method and maintaining relevant documentation. Additionally, as per 2 CFR 200.213, the organization must not contract with suspended or debarred parties. Before entering into a covered transaction, the organization must verify the eligibility of the potential contractor. Condition: The Organization has not ensured compliance with appropriate procurement methods, retention of necessary documents and decisions, or pre-contractual review for suspension and debarment requirements. Cause: The Organization lacks sufficient policies and controls to ensure compliance with Federal procurement, suspension, and debarment regulations. Effect: The Organization's failure to fully comply with procurement, suspension and debarment requirements could have led to contracts with suspended or debarred parties or contracts awarded through improper methods. Questioned Costs: Not applicable Context: Three of the five contracts reviewed lacked sufficient documentation to support the procurement methodology used. While no payments were made to debarred parties, the absence of a policy or procedure to prevent such occurrences poses a significant risk. Identification As A Repeat Finding: N/A Recommendation: We recommend that Organization implement internal policies to identify appropriate procurement methodologies, conduct regular suspension and debarment checks, maintain adequate file documentation to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension/debarment regulations and prevent contracts with ineligible parties. Views Of Responsible Officials And Planned Corrective Action: The Organization agrees with the finding and has put together a corrective action plan for the finding. See corrective action plan included in this report.
Finding 2024-001 Material Weakness, Compliance and Internal Control Over Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Compliance CFDA 93.676 - Unaccompanied Children Program Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pass-Through Entity: Global Refuge and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services Criteria Or Specific Requirement: The organization must adhere to the procurement methods outlined in 2 CFR 200.320, using informal procedures for small purchases, formal methods (sealed bids or proposals) for larger ones, or noncompetitive methods as appropriate. The organization is responsible for establishing processes and procedures for each method and maintaining relevant documentation. Additionally, as per 2 CFR 200.213, the organization must not contract with suspended or debarred parties. Before entering into a covered transaction, the organization must verify the eligibility of the potential contractor. Condition: The Organization has not ensured compliance with appropriate procurement methods, retention of necessary documents and decisions, or pre-contractual review for suspension and debarment requirements. Cause: The Organization lacks sufficient policies and controls to ensure compliance with Federal procurement, suspension, and debarment regulations. Effect: The Organization's failure to fully comply with procurement, suspension and debarment requirements could have led to contracts with suspended or debarred parties or contracts awarded through improper methods. Questioned Costs: Not applicable Context: Three of the five contracts reviewed lacked sufficient documentation to support the procurement methodology used. While no payments were made to debarred parties, the absence of a policy or procedure to prevent such occurrences poses a significant risk. Identification As A Repeat Finding: N/A Recommendation: We recommend that Organization implement internal policies to identify appropriate procurement methodologies, conduct regular suspension and debarment checks, maintain adequate file documentation to ensure compliance with procurement and suspension/debarment regulations and prevent contracts with ineligible parties. Views Of Responsible Officials And Planned Corrective Action: The Organization agrees with the finding and has put together a corrective action plan for the finding. See corrective action plan included in this report.
Criteria: Southwest Counseling Services must design internal controls to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Per review of 2 CFR 200.213, non-Federal entities are prohibited from contracting with, or making sub-awards under covered transactions to, parties that are suspended or debarred or whose principals are suspended or debarred. Covered transactions include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR Section 180.220. All non-procurement transactions entered into by a pass-through entity (i.e., sub-awards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR Section 180.215. Condition/context: For one of the contracts selected for testing, we determined that the contractor did not have a suspension and debarment clause in the contract, and Southwest Counseling Services did not keep record of other verification procedures to document the subrecipient was not suspended or debarred. Independently, we verified that the contractor was not suspended or debarred. Cause: Southwest Counseling Services does not have a control system in place to ensure required suspension and debarment is verified and documented. Effect: Without processes and controls in place, it is possible that Southwest Counseling could contract with a contractor that is suspended or debarred. Questioned costs: None. Identification as a repeat finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that Southwest Counseling Services implement processes and controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirement.
Finding 2024-004: Suspension and Debarment (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: 45.301 - Institute of Museum and Library Services Criteria: Under 2 CFR §200.213, non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. The non-Federal entity must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified, by (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Condition: During our testing over Suspension and Debarment, we determined that the Museum did not perform screenings on the vendors selected for testing.Cause: The Museum does not have a formal internal policy with respect to screening vendors, suppliers, contractors and employees in order to adhere to compliance over suspension and debarment. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to screen, in a timely manner (before contract date or payment occurs) potential and current vendors, suppliers, contractors and employees increases the potential that Federal funds be inadvertently provided to parties deemed to be suspended or disbarred by the United States Government. Questioned Costs: None noted. Context: We noted that vendors, suppliers, contractors and employees selected for testing did not have a formally documented Suspension and Debarment check conducted prior to engagement. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that management develop and implement a formal policy on suspension and debarment. This policy should include a threshold for when vendors, suppliers, contractors and employees should be screened. All screenings should be conducted prior to signing a contract or issuing payment. We recommend that the Museum notify all employees of this policy and ensure that it is enforced during the upcoming fiscal year.
Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR §200.318(a), General Procurement Standards, the non-federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal law and the standards identified in General Procurement Standards. Additionally, §200.318(i) states that the nonfederal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of the procurement. These records are required to include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. In accordance with §200.213 and §180.300, Suspension and Debarment, non-federal entities cannot enter into awards, subawards, or contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Nonfederal entities must either check for exclusions in the System for Award Management (SAM); collect a certification from the entity, or add a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity prior to entering into a covered transaction with a non-federal entity. In addition, in accordance with §180.415(b), non-federal entities cannot renew or extend covered transactions (other than no-cost time extension) with any excluded person, or under which an excluded person is a principal, unless the non-federal entity obtains an exception under §180.135. Condition: During our testing of the procurement, suspension and debarment compliance requirements, we identified one procurement sample out of a total of two tested where the Organization did not have documented controls over the application of their procurement policy. Additionally, the Organization did not retain documentation of controls over their verification that the vendor contracted was not suspended or debarred prior to entering into contract with the vendor. Management has subsequently determined that the vendor was not suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Context: The population consisted of two vendor contracts entered into during the period subject to procurement. Both items were tested, one of which had no exceptions in testing and the other had the exceptions identified in the condition above. Cause: NGA Center's personnel did not adhere to NGA Center's documented policies and procedures for ensuring proper suspension and debarment validations were performed prior to entering a covered transaction and did not retain proper documentation supporting procurement controls.
Reference Number: 2024-002 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Program: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (American Rescue Plan Act) Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number Not Available Federal Award Year 2024 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number: N/A Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Award Period: 7/1/2023 - 6/30/2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: 2 CFR 200.213 Suspension and Debarment restricts awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. 2 CFR 180.300 states that an entity may determine suspension and debarment status by: (a) Checking SAM (System for Award Management) Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person (7) Distribution of work to individuals and firms or economic considerations. Control: Per 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The County could not provide supporting documentation that suspension and debarment status was determined prior to award. Context: The suspension and debarment status for three out of seven vendors was not documented. Questioned costs: There are no questioned costs related to this finding as the vendors were not federally suspended or debarred. Cause: The County relied on State policies and procedures for suspension and debarment for State piggyback contracts, rather than applying their own established controls to these contracts. Effect: The County is not in compliance with federal suspension and debarment regulations. Repeat Finding: The finding is a repeat of a finding in the immediate prior year. Prior year finding number was 2023-001. Recommendation: The County should ensure that established policies and procedures related to suspension and debarment are applied to all contracts, even for piggyback agreements adopted from the state. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The County regularly checks Sam.gov for suspension and debarment transactions. We relied on state policies and procedures regarding the contracts in question as they were piggyback contracts. Moving forward, we will ensure thorough documentation of our reviews to maintain diligence in this area.
Federal agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal program title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 and 10.559 Pass-Through Agency: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Pass-Through Number(s): 09-100 Award Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 2 Part 200.213 states that nonfederal entities are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Condition and Context: For the four vendors in our statistically valid sample, documentation was not provided to support that the City verified the vendors were not debarred or suspended from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Questioned Costs: None Cause: Procedures were not in place to document the verification that all vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Effect: While this did not occur in the instance identified in this finding, lack of verification of vendors’ debarment or suspension status could cause federal grant funds to be expended with vendors that are excluded from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend procedures be implemented to document the verification that all vendors are not suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Federal agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal program title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 and 10.559 Pass-Through Agency: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Pass-Through Number(s): 09-100 Award Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 2 Part 200.213 states that nonfederal entities are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Condition and Context: For the four vendors in our statistically valid sample, documentation was not provided to support that the City verified the vendors were not debarred or suspended from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Questioned Costs: None Cause: Procedures were not in place to document the verification that all vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Effect: While this did not occur in the instance identified in this finding, lack of verification of vendors’ debarment or suspension status could cause federal grant funds to be expended with vendors that are excluded from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend procedures be implemented to document the verification that all vendors are not suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Federal agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal program title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 and 10.559 Pass-Through Agency: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Pass-Through Number(s): 09-100 Award Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 2 Part 200.213 states that nonfederal entities are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Condition and Context: For the four vendors in our statistically valid sample, documentation was not provided to support that the City verified the vendors were not debarred or suspended from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Questioned Costs: None Cause: Procedures were not in place to document the verification that all vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Effect: While this did not occur in the instance identified in this finding, lack of verification of vendors’ debarment or suspension status could cause federal grant funds to be expended with vendors that are excluded from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend procedures be implemented to document the verification that all vendors are not suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Federal agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal program title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 and 10.559 Pass-Through Agency: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Pass-Through Number(s): 09-100 Award Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 2 Part 200.213 states that nonfederal entities are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Condition and Context: For the four vendors in our statistically valid sample, documentation was not provided to support that the City verified the vendors were not debarred or suspended from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Questioned Costs: None Cause: Procedures were not in place to document the verification that all vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Effect: While this did not occur in the instance identified in this finding, lack of verification of vendors’ debarment or suspension status could cause federal grant funds to be expended with vendors that are excluded from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend procedures be implemented to document the verification that all vendors are not suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal program title: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027, 84.173 Pass-Through Agency: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Pass-Through Number(s): Various (see Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards) Award Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 2 Part 200.213 states that nonfederal entities are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Condition and Context: For the two vendors in our statistically valid sample, documentation was not provided to support that the City verified the vendors were not debarred or suspended from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Questioned Costs: None Cause: Procedures were not in place to document the verification that all vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Effect: While this did not occur in the instance identified in this finding, lack of verification of vendors’ debarment or suspension status could cause federal grant funds to be expended with vendors that are excluded from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: Yes (Finding 2023-001) Recommendation: We recommend procedures be implemented to document the verification that all vendors are not suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal program title: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027, 84.173 Pass-Through Agency: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care Pass-Through Number(s): Various (see Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards) Award Period: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Criteria or Specific Requirement: The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 2 Part 200.213 states that nonfederal entities are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Condition and Context: For the two vendors in our statistically valid sample, documentation was not provided to support that the City verified the vendors were not debarred or suspended from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Questioned Costs: None Cause: Procedures were not in place to document the verification that all vendors were not suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Effect: While this did not occur in the instance identified in this finding, lack of verification of vendors’ debarment or suspension status could cause federal grant funds to be expended with vendors that are excluded from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Repeat Finding: Yes (Finding 2023-001) Recommendation: We recommend procedures be implemented to document the verification that all vendors are not suspended or debarred from participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: N/A, 2024 Award Period: 7/1/2023-6/30/2024 Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Compliance: 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2 CFR 200.213 Suspension and Debarment restricts awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities: a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or b) Collecting a certification from that person; or c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Internal Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The City was unable to provide documentation of a vendor’s suspension and debarment status. The City is required to review and document a vendor’s suspension and debarment status prior to contracting with the vendor. We noted that the City did not document the vendor’s status in accordance with the federal requirements. Questioned Costs: None Context: Two of the two vendors selected for the fiscal year 2024 testing did not have evidence of the vendor’s suspension and debarment status prior to the contract date. Cause: The contractors selected for testing were not updated to include the suspension and debarment clause. Effect: The City is unable to document compliance with suspension and debarment status prior to contracting with the vendor. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the City review and enhance current procedures to ensure that the vendor’s suspension and debarment status is documented prior to contracting with the vendor. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding and new personnel in the Department of Community and Human Services will ensure that all required monitoring is performed and documented in a timely manner.
Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: N/A, 2024 Award Period: 7/1/2023-6/30/2024 Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or Specific Requirement: Compliance: 2 CFR section 200.318, which include oversight of contractors’ performance, maintaining written standards of conduct for employees involved in contracting, awarding contracts only to responsible contractors, and maintaining records to document history of procurements. 2 CFR 200.213 Suspension and Debarment restricts awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities: a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or b) Collecting a certification from that person; or c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Internal Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The City was unable to provide documentation of a vendor’s suspension and debarment status. The City is required to review and document a vendor’s suspension and debarment status prior to contracting with the vendor. We noted that the City did not document the vendor’s status in accordance with the federal requirements. Questioned Costs: None Context: Two of the two vendors selected for the fiscal year 2024 testing did not have evidence of the vendor’s suspension and debarment status prior to the contract date. Cause: The contractors selected for testing were not updated to include the suspension and debarment clause. Effect: The City is unable to document compliance with suspension and debarment status prior to contracting with the vendor. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the City review and enhance current procedures to ensure that the vendor’s suspension and debarment status is documented prior to contracting with the vendor. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding and new personnel in the Department of Community and Human Services will ensure that all required monitoring is performed and documented in a timely manner.
Agency: Employment and Training Administration Office of Grants Management ALN: 17.289 Federal Award Identification Number: 23A60C9000032-01-00 Criteria: According to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 200.213, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred. The non-federal entity must verify that the contractor or subrecipient is not suspended or debarred through the System for Award Management (SAM), which includes reviewing the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), or by collecting a certification from the entity. In addition, the Entity must conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. Condition and Context: The Entity failed to perform the required search for suspension and debarment in SAM for the two contractors tested and did not conduct a full and open competition for the services provided prior to awarding a contract under the federal program. The search should have been performed to ensure that the contractor was not suspended or debarred. Cause: The Entity has a procurement policy. However, the Entity did not follow that policy related to these two contractors. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Entity implement and adhere to a strict protocol for verifying suspension and debarment status and conduct an open and competitive bidding process prior to awarding any contracts or subawards under federal programs. We also recommend that suspension and debarment be included in the Entity’s procurement policy. In addition, the Entity should maintain documentation of the results of the searches, and the competitive bidding process and results to be in compliance. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: See attached corrective action plan. Questioned Costs: None
2024-001 – The Organization did not have a process to determine if vendors were suspended or barred from receiving federal funds Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Period: 07/01/2023 to 12/31/2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Compliance for Each Major Program Criteria or Specific Requirement: According to 2 CFR 200.213, non-federal entities must ensure that they do not enter into any contracts or subcontracts with parties that are suspended or debarred. This requires the establishment of procedures to review the eligibility of vendors, including subawaredees before engaging in any contractual agreements. Condition: Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers does not have a formal suspension and debarment procedure in place to review vendors. This lack of procedure increases the risk of engaging in contractual relationships with entities that are suspended or debarred, which is a violation of federal regulations. Questioned Costs: Indeterminable Context: During the audit period, the Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers entered into agreements with vendors without performing suspension and debarment reviews. During the engagement we did not note any transactions involving vendors who were suspended or debarred.Cause: The primary cause of this finding is the lack of awareness of federal requirements concerning suspension and debarment procedures. Effect: Failing to implement a suspension and debarment procedure exposes Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers to risks, including potential financial losses, reputational damage, and non-compliance with federal regulations. This non-compliance could result in penalties and a loss of federal funding. Repeat Finding: No Auditor’s Recommendation: It is recommended that Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers develop and implement a suspension and debarment procedure to review the eligibility of vendors before entering into contracts. Training should be provided to all relevant staff to ensure awareness and compliance with federal requirements. Additionally, periodic monitoring and internal audits should be conducted to ensure adherence to the established procedures. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management acknowledges the finding and agrees with the recommendation. Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers will develop and implement a formal suspension and debarment procedure within the next three months. Training sessions will be conducted for all procurement staff to ensure understanding and compliance with the new procedure. Furthermore, periodic reviews will be instituted to monitor adherence to these requirements and to prevent the recurrence of this issue.
Finding No. 2024-002: Procurement – Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ALN: 14.251 Federal Award Identification Number: B-22-CP-PA-0807 Criteria: According to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), section 200.213, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred. The non-federal entity must verify that the contractor or subrecipient is not suspended or debarred through the System for Award Management (SAM), which includes reviewing the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), or by collecting a certification from the entity. In addition, the Organization must conduct all procurement transactions in a manner providing full and open competition, in accordance with 2 CFR section 200.319. Condition and Context: We tested two vendors as part of procurement testing. The Organization failed to perform the required search for suspension and debarment in SAM for both vendors. The search should have been performed to ensure that the contractors were not suspended or debarred. For one of the two vendors tested, the Organization did not conduct a full and open competition for the services provided prior to awarding a contract under the federal program. Cause: The Organization has a procurement policy. However, for the one vendor that did not go through a competitive bidding process, the Organization did not follow that policy. The selection was based on relationship, qualifications, and competitive fee. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement and adhere to a strict protocol for verifying suspension and debarment status and conduct an open and competitive bidding process prior to awarding any contracts or subawards under federal programs. We also recommend that suspension and debarment be included in the Organization’s procurement policy. In addition, the Organization should maintain documentation of the results of the searches, and the competitive bidding process and results to be in compliance. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: See attached corrective action plan. Questioned Costs: None
Finding 2024-004: Non-Compliance with Suspension and Debarment (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: 93.368 Criteria: 2 CFR §200.213 non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. The non-Federal entity must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified, by (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Condition: We noted that while the Foundation does conduct screenings on all vendors, suppliers and consultants, the date that the screening is conducted is not documented. As such, we are unable to determine if the screening was conducted prior to payment or signing of the contract. Cause: The Foundation does not require that the date the screening is conducted be documented. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to screen potential and current vendors, suppliers or contractors prior to payment or contract signing increases the potential that Federal funds be inadvertently provided to parties deemed to be suspended or disbarred by the United States Government. Questioned Costs: None noted. Context: Our audit procedures consisted of testwork completed on individual expenditures charged to the Federal awards. The report in which samples were selected was generated directly from the Foundation's general ledger (accounting system). We consider our sample to be representative of the population. The condition appeared to be systematic in nature. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Foundation revise their policy regarding suspension and debarment to require that all screenings are accompanied by the documented date in which they were conducted.
2024-005 Inadequate Contract Retention and Suspension/Debarment Verification (Material Weakness) Federal Agency: Department of Education Pass-through Agency: New Hampshire Department of Education Cluster/Program: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number(s): 84.027, 84.173, 84.027X, 84.173X Passed-through Identification: 20220039, 20221010, 20221035, 20221036, 20221037, 20230209, 20230211, 20230212, 20230214, 20230215, 20230231, 20230232, 2024188, 20240189, 20240190, 20240191, 20240191, 20240199, 20240308 Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Internal Control over Compliance – Material Weakness Material Noncompliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations require that non-federal entities, including school administrative units (SAUs), maintain adequate documentation for all procurement transactions and ensure that vendors are eligible to participate in federal programs. Specifically, 2 CFR 200.318–200.327 outlines standards for procurement, including maintaining documentation that demonstrates compliance with federal requirements, ensuring fair and open competition, and retaining executed contracts and related procurement records. Additionally, 2 CFR 180 and 2 CFR 200.213 require verification that vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal programs prior to entering into a contract. Federal guidance emphasizes that all procurement documentation, including executed contracts, bid evaluations, and vendor eligibility verification, must be retained to provide an audit trail demonstrating compliance and prudent use of federal funds. Maintaining proper documentation and performing required verification steps helps prevent the risk of fraud, waste, or improper payments and ensures transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. Condition: During testing of procurement activities, we noted that two signed and executed contracts could not be located. Furthermore, for all vendors reviewed except one, there was no evidence that the School Administrative Unit (SAU) performed procedures to verify that the vendors were not suspended or debarred. Cause: The SAU did not have a consistent process for retaining executed contracts or for documenting the verification of vendor eligibility under suspension/debarment requirements. Staff were not aware of the federal verification requirements or lacked formal procedures to ensure compliance. Effect: The absence of executed contracts and verification procedures increases the risk of noncompliance with federal procurement regulations. This could potentially result in questioned costs during a federal audit and may expose the SAU to financial or reputational risk if funds were improperly paid to ineligible vendors. Questioned Costs: $679,147 Identification as Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The SAU should implement a formal procurement policy that ensures all contracts are properly executed, signed, and retained. The policy should also establish a standardized process to verify all vendors against federal suspension and debarment lists prior to awarding contracts, with documentation of all verification steps maintained as part of the procurement record. Additionally, staff should be trained on these procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with federal requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: Management’s views and corrective action plan is included at the end of this report.
2024-003 – Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program: Arts in Education Federal Assistance Listing Number: 84.351A Pass-through Entity: Not applicable. Award Identification Number: S351A210115 Year: 2023 and 2024 Criteria: 2 CFR §180.300 and 2 CFR §200.213 require non-federal entities to verify that contractors and subrecipients are not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs. This verification must be accomplished by checking the System for Award Management (SAM), collecting a certification from the contractor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction. Condition: During our testing, we noted the Organization did not maintain documentation to support that internal controls were performed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into the contract. Context: The population of covered transactions consisted of four vendors, all of which were tested. While the Organization did not contract with any suspended or debarred vendors, there was no documentation of internal controls or procedures in place to verify vendor suspension or debarment status prior to entering into the covered transactions. Cause: The Organization was unable to locate documentation to support the performance of procedures to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred. Effect: Without documented internal controls, there is an increased risk that the Organization could inadvertently enter into covered transactions with suspended or debarred vendors, resulting in noncompliance with federal requirements. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding: Yes Recommendation: We recommend the Organization establish and document internal controls and procedures to verify and retain evidence that vendors are not suspended or debarred prior to entering into covered transactions, in accordance with federal requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: HIV Prevention Activities: Non-Governmental Organization Based Assistance Listing Number: 93.939 Federal Award Identification Number: NU65PS923746 Award Period: July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Compliance – Procurement and Suspension & Debarment Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR §180.300 and §200.213, non-federal entities must verify that entities receiving subawards or contracts are not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Non-federal entities must also conduct all procurement transactions in line with Uniform Grant Guidance. Condition: It was noted through our testing that no documentation could be provided in order to confirm that the exclusions listing was checked prior to commitments entered. It was also noted through our testing that proper procurement procedures were not followed in obtaining bids or price comparisons for various vendors prior to contract engagement. Questioned costs: $96,940 Context: Although one subrecipient was confirmed as not listed on the federal exclusions list as of July 31, 2025, the Organization did not retain documentation demonstrating that this verification was performed prior to entering into the covered transaction. Also, the Organization has a procurement policy in place that aligns with the Uniform Guidance standards, but proper procedures were not followed in obtaining bids or price comparisons prior to contract engagement for one item tested. Cause: The lack of documentation appears to be due to insufficient procedures for retaining evidence of procurement, suspension and debarment checks prior to executing subawards and contracts with vendors. Effect: This deficiency resulted in noncompliance with federal procurement, suspension and debarment requirements. Failure to document verification prior to entering into a covered transaction and competitive procurement may result in noncompliance with federal requirements and could lead to inefficient use of federal funds or disallowed costs. Repeat finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that management reinforce procedures to ensure that verification of procurement, suspension and debarment practices are performed and documented prior to entering into any covered transaction or subaward. This may include retaining screenshots from SAM.gov, signed certifications, contract clauses confirming compliance, and documentation of competitive pricing retained for records. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See Corrective Action Plan.
Identification of the federal program: Federal Agency: United States Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Pass-Through Entities: North Dakota Department of Health, South Dakota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Health Assistance Listing: 93.155; COVID-19 Rural Health Research Centers Award Numbers: Various Award Year: FY 2021 – 2023 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory or other citation): 2 CFR Section 200.303 of the Uniform Guidance states the following regarding internal control: “The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).” The Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.213 states, “Non-federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR Part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities”. In addition, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.320 (c) states: “There are specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Noncompetitive procurement can only be awarded if one or more of the following circumstances apply: (1) The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold; (2) The item is available only from a single source; (3) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; (4) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or (5) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate.” Further, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.320(a)(2) states: Small purchases – “The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity.” Condition: We noted the following matters during our testing of Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirements: • A third-party vendor performed the suspension and debarment validation process for Sanford. The third-party vendor does not have a SOC 1 (System and Organization Controls) Report. For a portion of the year, Sanford relied on the suspension and debarment checks performed by the third-party vendor for results concluding no match without completing a validation control to ensure the results provided by the third-party vendor were accurate. • We noted instances where the vendor screening for suspension and debarment was not performed prior to setting up the vendor in the System and procuring the goods/services. Section III—Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) • For certain procurement transactions tested, we noted Sanford did not adhere to the compliance requirements and did not follow its procurement policy by maintaining documentation related to cost/price analysis or sole-source procurement and completing the sole-source justification forms timely. Cause: Sanford utilizes a third-party vendor to perform suspension and debarment checks on its vendors, both during the vendor setup process as well as ongoing monitoring of active vendors. Sanford did not add an additional validation control until August 2023 to ensure that the suspension and debarment checks performed by the third-party vendor aligned with the governmental suspension and debarment database when the search resulted in no match. In addition, Sanford did not follow its procurement policy and perform the vendor screening for suspension and debarment prior to setting up the vendor in the system and transacting with the vendors. Furthermore, Sanford, prior to entering into the procurement transaction, did not complete the sole-source justification forms, or maintain documentation to support the sole-sourced procurements for those procurement transactions that exceeded the small purchase threshold. Effect or potential effect: Sanford’s screening for suspension and debarment through the third-party vendor results may not be accurate for the period January 1, 2023 through July 31, 2023. Further, by not performing the vendor screening for suspension and debarment prior to transacting with the vendor, Sanford could have potentially entered into a business transaction with suspended or debarred parties. Sanford did not comply with the federal procurement requirements and its procurement policy by not maintaining adequate documentation to support the cost/price analysis or sole sourced vendor selections in addition to not timely completing the sole source justification forms. Section III—Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) Questioned costs: $307,249 determined as the amount of the procurement expenditures included in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards for two procurement transactions that had inadequate documentation to justify sole source selection. Context: To ensure compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213, Sanford conducts both preventive and detective controls in its vendor setup and monitoring process to ensure new vendors and active vendors are not suspended or debarred. A consistent vendor setup process is followed for each new vendor that Sanford transacts with, regardless of whether the vendor transactions are funded through federal grant funding or through other sources. To prevent a suspended or debarred vendor from being added as a new vendor, the vendor is checked against the suspension and debarment database electronically before completion of the vendor setup. Subsequent to vendor setup, Sanford also monitors the status of its vendors to ensure the vendor’s status has not changed. We selected 25 new vendors to verify that the suspension and debarment screening was performed and performed timely. We noted for 3 of the 25 vendors, the suspension and debarment screening was not performed prior to setting up the vendor in the system and for 1 of these vendors, Sanford had entered into a transaction prior to performing the suspension and debarment screening. We selected 8 procurement transactions that exceeded the small purchase threshold. Of the 8 transactions, 4 transactions did not follow the federal procurement standards and Sanford’s procurement policy which requires sole source documentation be completed prior to procuring the items. Additionally, for 2 of these 4 transactions, Sanford did not have sufficient documentation maintained to support the cost/price analysis performed or justification to support the sole source selection of the vendors. Total federal expenditures subject to suspension and debarment is $2,870,421, and federal expenditures exceeding the micro purchase threshold is $2,298,733. Total federal expenditures under the program, as reported on the SEFA, is $2,870,421. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This finding is a repeat of Finding 2022-001 in the prior year. Recommendation: Management should ensure that the suspension and debarment screening is performed prior to entering into the transaction with the vendor and also ensure that it follows the procurement policy to verify suspension and debarment of the vendor prior to setting up the vendor in the system. In addition, Management should ensure that any sole sourced purchases or when quotes are obtained, that those be documented prior to entering into the procurement transaction. Views of responsible officials: Sanford continues to document periodic validation of the suspension and debarment search results performed by the third-party vendor for vendor searches that yield no suspension and debarment match. Additionally, as part of the periodic validation, Sanford will include a validation to ensure a suspension and debarment search is completed prior to setting the vendor up in the system. Sanford will re-educate appropriate staff regarding the process to verify a suspension and debarment search is completed prior to setting up the vendor in the system. Sanford’s preventative and detective controls and operating procedures provide reasonable assurance over the effectiveness of the controls necessary to prevent the risk of federal funds being paid to vendors that are suspended or debarred. Sanford’s preventive and detective controls and operating procedures provide reasonable assurance over the effectiveness of the controls necessary to prevent the risk of federal funds being utilized for items that do not adhere to the procurement standards. Sanford will re-educate applicable parties and enhance its procedural documentation regarding procurement. Sanford will implement a monthly review process of federal funds utilized for procurement.
Identification of the federal program: Federal Agency: United States Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Pass-Through Entities: North Dakota Department of Health, South Dakota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Health Assistance Listing: 93.155; COVID-19 Rural Health Research Centers Award Numbers: Various Award Year: FY 2021 – 2023 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory or other citation): 2 CFR Section 200.303 of the Uniform Guidance states the following regarding internal control: “The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).” The Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.213 states, “Non-federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR Part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities”. In addition, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.320 (c) states: “There are specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Noncompetitive procurement can only be awarded if one or more of the following circumstances apply: (1) The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold; (2) The item is available only from a single source; (3) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; (4) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or (5) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate.” Further, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.320(a)(2) states: Small purchases – “The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity.” Condition: We noted the following matters during our testing of Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirements: • A third-party vendor performed the suspension and debarment validation process for Sanford. The third-party vendor does not have a SOC 1 (System and Organization Controls) Report. For a portion of the year, Sanford relied on the suspension and debarment checks performed by the third-party vendor for results concluding no match without completing a validation control to ensure the results provided by the third-party vendor were accurate. • We noted instances where the vendor screening for suspension and debarment was not performed prior to setting up the vendor in the System and procuring the goods/services. Section III—Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) • For certain procurement transactions tested, we noted Sanford did not adhere to the compliance requirements and did not follow its procurement policy by maintaining documentation related to cost/price analysis or sole-source procurement and completing the sole-source justification forms timely. Cause: Sanford utilizes a third-party vendor to perform suspension and debarment checks on its vendors, both during the vendor setup process as well as ongoing monitoring of active vendors. Sanford did not add an additional validation control until August 2023 to ensure that the suspension and debarment checks performed by the third-party vendor aligned with the governmental suspension and debarment database when the search resulted in no match. In addition, Sanford did not follow its procurement policy and perform the vendor screening for suspension and debarment prior to setting up the vendor in the system and transacting with the vendors. Furthermore, Sanford, prior to entering into the procurement transaction, did not complete the sole-source justification forms, or maintain documentation to support the sole-sourced procurements for those procurement transactions that exceeded the small purchase threshold. Effect or potential effect: Sanford’s screening for suspension and debarment through the third-party vendor results may not be accurate for the period January 1, 2023 through July 31, 2023. Further, by not performing the vendor screening for suspension and debarment prior to transacting with the vendor, Sanford could have potentially entered into a business transaction with suspended or debarred parties. Sanford did not comply with the federal procurement requirements and its procurement policy by not maintaining adequate documentation to support the cost/price analysis or sole sourced vendor selections in addition to not timely completing the sole source justification forms. Section III—Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) Questioned costs: $307,249 determined as the amount of the procurement expenditures included in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards for two procurement transactions that had inadequate documentation to justify sole source selection. Context: To ensure compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213, Sanford conducts both preventive and detective controls in its vendor setup and monitoring process to ensure new vendors and active vendors are not suspended or debarred. A consistent vendor setup process is followed for each new vendor that Sanford transacts with, regardless of whether the vendor transactions are funded through federal grant funding or through other sources. To prevent a suspended or debarred vendor from being added as a new vendor, the vendor is checked against the suspension and debarment database electronically before completion of the vendor setup. Subsequent to vendor setup, Sanford also monitors the status of its vendors to ensure the vendor’s status has not changed. We selected 25 new vendors to verify that the suspension and debarment screening was performed and performed timely. We noted for 3 of the 25 vendors, the suspension and debarment screening was not performed prior to setting up the vendor in the system and for 1 of these vendors, Sanford had entered into a transaction prior to performing the suspension and debarment screening. We selected 8 procurement transactions that exceeded the small purchase threshold. Of the 8 transactions, 4 transactions did not follow the federal procurement standards and Sanford’s procurement policy which requires sole source documentation be completed prior to procuring the items. Additionally, for 2 of these 4 transactions, Sanford did not have sufficient documentation maintained to support the cost/price analysis performed or justification to support the sole source selection of the vendors. Total federal expenditures subject to suspension and debarment is $2,870,421, and federal expenditures exceeding the micro purchase threshold is $2,298,733. Total federal expenditures under the program, as reported on the SEFA, is $2,870,421. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This finding is a repeat of Finding 2022-001 in the prior year. Recommendation: Management should ensure that the suspension and debarment screening is performed prior to entering into the transaction with the vendor and also ensure that it follows the procurement policy to verify suspension and debarment of the vendor prior to setting up the vendor in the system. In addition, Management should ensure that any sole sourced purchases or when quotes are obtained, that those be documented prior to entering into the procurement transaction. Views of responsible officials: Sanford continues to document periodic validation of the suspension and debarment search results performed by the third-party vendor for vendor searches that yield no suspension and debarment match. Additionally, as part of the periodic validation, Sanford will include a validation to ensure a suspension and debarment search is completed prior to setting the vendor up in the system. Sanford will re-educate appropriate staff regarding the process to verify a suspension and debarment search is completed prior to setting up the vendor in the system. Sanford’s preventative and detective controls and operating procedures provide reasonable assurance over the effectiveness of the controls necessary to prevent the risk of federal funds being paid to vendors that are suspended or debarred. Sanford’s preventive and detective controls and operating procedures provide reasonable assurance over the effectiveness of the controls necessary to prevent the risk of federal funds being utilized for items that do not adhere to the procurement standards. Sanford will re-educate applicable parties and enhance its procedural documentation regarding procurement. Sanford will implement a monthly review process of federal funds utilized for procurement.
Identification of the federal program: Federal Agency: United States Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Pass-Through Entities: North Dakota Department of Health, South Dakota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Health Assistance Listing: 93.155; COVID-19 Rural Health Research Centers Award Numbers: Various Award Year: FY 2021 – 2023 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory or other citation): 2 CFR Section 200.303 of the Uniform Guidance states the following regarding internal control: “The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).” The Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.213 states, “Non-federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR Part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities”. In addition, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.320 (c) states: “There are specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Noncompetitive procurement can only be awarded if one or more of the following circumstances apply: (1) The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold; (2) The item is available only from a single source; (3) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; (4) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or (5) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate.” Further, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.320(a)(2) states: Small purchases – “The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity.” Condition: We noted the following matters during our testing of Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirements: • A third-party vendor performed the suspension and debarment validation process for Sanford. The third-party vendor does not have a SOC 1 (System and Organization Controls) Report. For a portion of the year, Sanford relied on the suspension and debarment checks performed by the third-party vendor for results concluding no match without completing a validation control to ensure the results provided by the third-party vendor were accurate. • We noted instances where the vendor screening for suspension and debarment was not performed prior to setting up the vendor in the System and procuring the goods/services. Section III—Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) • For certain procurement transactions tested, we noted Sanford did not adhere to the compliance requirements and did not follow its procurement policy by maintaining documentation related to cost/price analysis or sole-source procurement and completing the sole-source justification forms timely. Cause: Sanford utilizes a third-party vendor to perform suspension and debarment checks on its vendors, both during the vendor setup process as well as ongoing monitoring of active vendors. Sanford did not add an additional validation control until August 2023 to ensure that the suspension and debarment checks performed by the third-party vendor aligned with the governmental suspension and debarment database when the search resulted in no match. In addition, Sanford did not follow its procurement policy and perform the vendor screening for suspension and debarment prior to setting up the vendor in the system and transacting with the vendors. Furthermore, Sanford, prior to entering into the procurement transaction, did not complete the sole-source justification forms, or maintain documentation to support the sole-sourced procurements for those procurement transactions that exceeded the small purchase threshold. Effect or potential effect: Sanford’s screening for suspension and debarment through the third-party vendor results may not be accurate for the period January 1, 2023 through July 31, 2023. Further, by not performing the vendor screening for suspension and debarment prior to transacting with the vendor, Sanford could have potentially entered into a business transaction with suspended or debarred parties. Sanford did not comply with the federal procurement requirements and its procurement policy by not maintaining adequate documentation to support the cost/price analysis or sole sourced vendor selections in addition to not timely completing the sole source justification forms. Section III—Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) Questioned costs: $307,249 determined as the amount of the procurement expenditures included in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards for two procurement transactions that had inadequate documentation to justify sole source selection. Context: To ensure compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213, Sanford conducts both preventive and detective controls in its vendor setup and monitoring process to ensure new vendors and active vendors are not suspended or debarred. A consistent vendor setup process is followed for each new vendor that Sanford transacts with, regardless of whether the vendor transactions are funded through federal grant funding or through other sources. To prevent a suspended or debarred vendor from being added as a new vendor, the vendor is checked against the suspension and debarment database electronically before completion of the vendor setup. Subsequent to vendor setup, Sanford also monitors the status of its vendors to ensure the vendor’s status has not changed. We selected 25 new vendors to verify that the suspension and debarment screening was performed and performed timely. We noted for 3 of the 25 vendors, the suspension and debarment screening was not performed prior to setting up the vendor in the system and for 1 of these vendors, Sanford had entered into a transaction prior to performing the suspension and debarment screening. We selected 8 procurement transactions that exceeded the small purchase threshold. Of the 8 transactions, 4 transactions did not follow the federal procurement standards and Sanford’s procurement policy which requires sole source documentation be completed prior to procuring the items. Additionally, for 2 of these 4 transactions, Sanford did not have sufficient documentation maintained to support the cost/price analysis performed or justification to support the sole source selection of the vendors. Total federal expenditures subject to suspension and debarment is $2,870,421, and federal expenditures exceeding the micro purchase threshold is $2,298,733. Total federal expenditures under the program, as reported on the SEFA, is $2,870,421. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This finding is a repeat of Finding 2022-001 in the prior year. Recommendation: Management should ensure that the suspension and debarment screening is performed prior to entering into the transaction with the vendor and also ensure that it follows the procurement policy to verify suspension and debarment of the vendor prior to setting up the vendor in the system. In addition, Management should ensure that any sole sourced purchases or when quotes are obtained, that those be documented prior to entering into the procurement transaction. Views of responsible officials: Sanford continues to document periodic validation of the suspension and debarment search results performed by the third-party vendor for vendor searches that yield no suspension and debarment match. Additionally, as part of the periodic validation, Sanford will include a validation to ensure a suspension and debarment search is completed prior to setting the vendor up in the system. Sanford will re-educate appropriate staff regarding the process to verify a suspension and debarment search is completed prior to setting up the vendor in the system. Sanford’s preventative and detective controls and operating procedures provide reasonable assurance over the effectiveness of the controls necessary to prevent the risk of federal funds being paid to vendors that are suspended or debarred. Sanford’s preventive and detective controls and operating procedures provide reasonable assurance over the effectiveness of the controls necessary to prevent the risk of federal funds being utilized for items that do not adhere to the procurement standards. Sanford will re-educate applicable parties and enhance its procedural documentation regarding procurement. Sanford will implement a monthly review process of federal funds utilized for procurement.
Identification of the federal program: Federal Agency: United States Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Pass-Through Entities: North Dakota Department of Health, South Dakota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Health Assistance Listing: 93.155; COVID-19 Rural Health Research Centers Award Numbers: Various Award Year: FY 2021 – 2023 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory or other citation): 2 CFR Section 200.303 of the Uniform Guidance states the following regarding internal control: “The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).” The Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.213 states, “Non-federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR Part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities”. In addition, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.320 (c) states: “There are specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Noncompetitive procurement can only be awarded if one or more of the following circumstances apply: (1) The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold; (2) The item is available only from a single source; (3) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; (4) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or (5) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate.” Further, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.320(a)(2) states: Small purchases – “The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity.” Condition: We noted the following matters during our testing of Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirements: • A third-party vendor performed the suspension and debarment validation process for Sanford. The third-party vendor does not have a SOC 1 (System and Organization Controls) Report. For a portion of the year, Sanford relied on the suspension and debarment checks performed by the third-party vendor for results concluding no match without completing a validation control to ensure the results provided by the third-party vendor were accurate. • We noted instances where the vendor screening for suspension and debarment was not performed prior to setting up the vendor in the System and procuring the goods/services. Section III—Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) • For certain procurement transactions tested, we noted Sanford did not adhere to the compliance requirements and did not follow its procurement policy by maintaining documentation related to cost/price analysis or sole-source procurement and completing the sole-source justification forms timely. Cause: Sanford utilizes a third-party vendor to perform suspension and debarment checks on its vendors, both during the vendor setup process as well as ongoing monitoring of active vendors. Sanford did not add an additional validation control until August 2023 to ensure that the suspension and debarment checks performed by the third-party vendor aligned with the governmental suspension and debarment database when the search resulted in no match. In addition, Sanford did not follow its procurement policy and perform the vendor screening for suspension and debarment prior to setting up the vendor in the system and transacting with the vendors. Furthermore, Sanford, prior to entering into the procurement transaction, did not complete the sole-source justification forms, or maintain documentation to support the sole-sourced procurements for those procurement transactions that exceeded the small purchase threshold. Effect or potential effect: Sanford’s screening for suspension and debarment through the third-party vendor results may not be accurate for the period January 1, 2023 through July 31, 2023. Further, by not performing the vendor screening for suspension and debarment prior to transacting with the vendor, Sanford could have potentially entered into a business transaction with suspended or debarred parties. Sanford did not comply with the federal procurement requirements and its procurement policy by not maintaining adequate documentation to support the cost/price analysis or sole sourced vendor selections in addition to not timely completing the sole source justification forms. Section III—Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) Questioned costs: $307,249 determined as the amount of the procurement expenditures included in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards for two procurement transactions that had inadequate documentation to justify sole source selection. Context: To ensure compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213, Sanford conducts both preventive and detective controls in its vendor setup and monitoring process to ensure new vendors and active vendors are not suspended or debarred. A consistent vendor setup process is followed for each new vendor that Sanford transacts with, regardless of whether the vendor transactions are funded through federal grant funding or through other sources. To prevent a suspended or debarred vendor from being added as a new vendor, the vendor is checked against the suspension and debarment database electronically before completion of the vendor setup. Subsequent to vendor setup, Sanford also monitors the status of its vendors to ensure the vendor’s status has not changed. We selected 25 new vendors to verify that the suspension and debarment screening was performed and performed timely. We noted for 3 of the 25 vendors, the suspension and debarment screening was not performed prior to setting up the vendor in the system and for 1 of these vendors, Sanford had entered into a transaction prior to performing the suspension and debarment screening. We selected 8 procurement transactions that exceeded the small purchase threshold. Of the 8 transactions, 4 transactions did not follow the federal procurement standards and Sanford’s procurement policy which requires sole source documentation be completed prior to procuring the items. Additionally, for 2 of these 4 transactions, Sanford did not have sufficient documentation maintained to support the cost/price analysis performed or justification to support the sole source selection of the vendors. Total federal expenditures subject to suspension and debarment is $2,870,421, and federal expenditures exceeding the micro purchase threshold is $2,298,733. Total federal expenditures under the program, as reported on the SEFA, is $2,870,421. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This finding is a repeat of Finding 2022-001 in the prior year. Recommendation: Management should ensure that the suspension and debarment screening is performed prior to entering into the transaction with the vendor and also ensure that it follows the procurement policy to verify suspension and debarment of the vendor prior to setting up the vendor in the system. In addition, Management should ensure that any sole sourced purchases or when quotes are obtained, that those be documented prior to entering into the procurement transaction. Views of responsible officials: Sanford continues to document periodic validation of the suspension and debarment search results performed by the third-party vendor for vendor searches that yield no suspension and debarment match. Additionally, as part of the periodic validation, Sanford will include a validation to ensure a suspension and debarment search is completed prior to setting the vendor up in the system. Sanford will re-educate appropriate staff regarding the process to verify a suspension and debarment search is completed prior to setting up the vendor in the system. Sanford’s preventative and detective controls and operating procedures provide reasonable assurance over the effectiveness of the controls necessary to prevent the risk of federal funds being paid to vendors that are suspended or debarred. Sanford’s preventive and detective controls and operating procedures provide reasonable assurance over the effectiveness of the controls necessary to prevent the risk of federal funds being utilized for items that do not adhere to the procurement standards. Sanford will re-educate applicable parties and enhance its procedural documentation regarding procurement. Sanford will implement a monthly review process of federal funds utilized for procurement.
Identification of the federal program: Federal Agency: United States Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Pass-Through Entities: North Dakota Department of Health, South Dakota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Health Assistance Listing: 93.155; COVID-19 Rural Health Research Centers Award Numbers: Various Award Year: FY 2021 – 2023 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory or other citation): 2 CFR Section 200.303 of the Uniform Guidance states the following regarding internal control: “The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).” The Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.213 states, “Non-federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR Part 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities”. In addition, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.320 (c) states: “There are specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Noncompetitive procurement can only be awarded if one or more of the following circumstances apply: (1) The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold; (2) The item is available only from a single source; (3) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation; (4) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or (5) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate.” Further, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Section 200.320(a)(2) states: Small purchases – “The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity.” Condition: We noted the following matters during our testing of Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirements: • A third-party vendor performed the suspension and debarment validation process for Sanford. The third-party vendor does not have a SOC 1 (System and Organization Controls) Report. For a portion of the year, Sanford relied on the suspension and debarment checks performed by the third-party vendor for results concluding no match without completing a validation control to ensure the results provided by the third-party vendor were accurate. • We noted instances where the vendor screening for suspension and debarment was not performed prior to setting up the vendor in the System and procuring the goods/services. Section III—Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) • For certain procurement transactions tested, we noted Sanford did not adhere to the compliance requirements and did not follow its procurement policy by maintaining documentation related to cost/price analysis or sole-source procurement and completing the sole-source justification forms timely. Cause: Sanford utilizes a third-party vendor to perform suspension and debarment checks on its vendors, both during the vendor setup process as well as ongoing monitoring of active vendors. Sanford did not add an additional validation control until August 2023 to ensure that the suspension and debarment checks performed by the third-party vendor aligned with the governmental suspension and debarment database when the search resulted in no match. In addition, Sanford did not follow its procurement policy and perform the vendor screening for suspension and debarment prior to setting up the vendor in the system and transacting with the vendors. Furthermore, Sanford, prior to entering into the procurement transaction, did not complete the sole-source justification forms, or maintain documentation to support the sole-sourced procurements for those procurement transactions that exceeded the small purchase threshold. Effect or potential effect: Sanford’s screening for suspension and debarment through the third-party vendor results may not be accurate for the period January 1, 2023 through July 31, 2023. Further, by not performing the vendor screening for suspension and debarment prior to transacting with the vendor, Sanford could have potentially entered into a business transaction with suspended or debarred parties. Sanford did not comply with the federal procurement requirements and its procurement policy by not maintaining adequate documentation to support the cost/price analysis or sole sourced vendor selections in addition to not timely completing the sole source justification forms. Section III—Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) Questioned costs: $307,249 determined as the amount of the procurement expenditures included in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards for two procurement transactions that had inadequate documentation to justify sole source selection. Context: To ensure compliance with 2 CFR Section 200.213, Sanford conducts both preventive and detective controls in its vendor setup and monitoring process to ensure new vendors and active vendors are not suspended or debarred. A consistent vendor setup process is followed for each new vendor that Sanford transacts with, regardless of whether the vendor transactions are funded through federal grant funding or through other sources. To prevent a suspended or debarred vendor from being added as a new vendor, the vendor is checked against the suspension and debarment database electronically before completion of the vendor setup. Subsequent to vendor setup, Sanford also monitors the status of its vendors to ensure the vendor’s status has not changed. We selected 25 new vendors to verify that the suspension and debarment screening was performed and performed timely. We noted for 3 of the 25 vendors, the suspension and debarment screening was not performed prior to setting up the vendor in the system and for 1 of these vendors, Sanford had entered into a transaction prior to performing the suspension and debarment screening. We selected 8 procurement transactions that exceeded the small purchase threshold. Of the 8 transactions, 4 transactions did not follow the federal procurement standards and Sanford’s procurement policy which requires sole source documentation be completed prior to procuring the items. Additionally, for 2 of these 4 transactions, Sanford did not have sufficient documentation maintained to support the cost/price analysis performed or justification to support the sole source selection of the vendors. Total federal expenditures subject to suspension and debarment is $2,870,421, and federal expenditures exceeding the micro purchase threshold is $2,298,733. Total federal expenditures under the program, as reported on the SEFA, is $2,870,421. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This finding is a repeat of Finding 2022-001 in the prior year. Recommendation: Management should ensure that the suspension and debarment screening is performed prior to entering into the transaction with the vendor and also ensure that it follows the procurement policy to verify suspension and debarment of the vendor prior to setting up the vendor in the system. In addition, Management should ensure that any sole sourced purchases or when quotes are obtained, that those be documented prior to entering into the procurement transaction. Views of responsible officials: Sanford continues to document periodic validation of the suspension and debarment search results performed by the third-party vendor for vendor searches that yield no suspension and debarment match. Additionally, as part of the periodic validation, Sanford will include a validation to ensure a suspension and debarment search is completed prior to setting the vendor up in the system. Sanford will re-educate appropriate staff regarding the process to verify a suspension and debarment search is completed prior to setting up the vendor in the system. Sanford’s preventative and detective controls and operating procedures provide reasonable assurance over the effectiveness of the controls necessary to prevent the risk of federal funds being paid to vendors that are suspended or debarred. Sanford’s preventive and detective controls and operating procedures provide reasonable assurance over the effectiveness of the controls necessary to prevent the risk of federal funds being utilized for items that do not adhere to the procurement standards. Sanford will re-educate applicable parties and enhance its procedural documentation regarding procurement. Sanford will implement a monthly review process of federal funds utilized for procurement.