Federal Agency: US Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Unknown Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2023-714368-DPI-SB-SEVERE-546, 2023-715368-DPI-NSL-547, 2023-714368-SPI-SK_NSL-561, Unknown, 2023-714368-DPI-SFSP-586 Award Period: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matter Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR Section 320.318(i) requires the District to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will 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. 2 CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The District policy requires that they receive multiple price quotes for transactions over $10,000. The District policy also requires that for contracts, they include a suspension and debarment verification within said contract as well as look up the vendor’s status on sam.gov. The district did not retain documentation for multiple price quotes for 4 out of 5 small purchase transactions in our sample. The District also did not retain documentation related to suspension and debarment status for 2 out of 4 vendors in our sample. Questioned Costs: None Context: While the department heads are responsible for ensuring they maintain documentation over price quotes to comply with the districts small purchase policy, the District did not retain documentation over price quotes obtained nor documentation of how the vendor was ultimately selected for 4 out of 5 small purchase transactions in our sample. The District did not retain documentation over verification that the vendors status of suspension and debarment from sam.gov for 2 out of 4 vendors in our sample. Cause: The District employees did not retain the supporting documentation for information obtained from vendors. Also, due to turnover at the district with the superintendent, they are unable to locate the documentation for verification of suspension and debarment status. Effect: Procurement transactions may not be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the District review its Uniform Guidance policies with all staff to ensure procurement requirements are understood and implement controls to help ensure compliance. We also recommend the District review and update policies and procedures over review of certain transactions to ensure that all federal grants with covered transactions have vendors reviewed for suspension and debarment status prior to entering into the transaction. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: US Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Unknown Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2023-714368-DPI-SB-SEVERE-546, 2023-715368-DPI-NSL-547, 2023-714368-SPI-SK_NSL-561, Unknown, 2023-714368-DPI-SFSP-586 Award Period: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matter Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR Section 320.318(i) requires the District to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will 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. 2 CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The District policy requires that they receive multiple price quotes for transactions over $10,000. The District policy also requires that for contracts, they include a suspension and debarment verification within said contract as well as look up the vendor’s status on sam.gov. The district did not retain documentation for multiple price quotes for 4 out of 5 small purchase transactions in our sample. The District also did not retain documentation related to suspension and debarment status for 2 out of 4 vendors in our sample. Questioned Costs: None Context: While the department heads are responsible for ensuring they maintain documentation over price quotes to comply with the districts small purchase policy, the District did not retain documentation over price quotes obtained nor documentation of how the vendor was ultimately selected for 4 out of 5 small purchase transactions in our sample. The District did not retain documentation over verification that the vendors status of suspension and debarment from sam.gov for 2 out of 4 vendors in our sample. Cause: The District employees did not retain the supporting documentation for information obtained from vendors. Also, due to turnover at the district with the superintendent, they are unable to locate the documentation for verification of suspension and debarment status. Effect: Procurement transactions may not be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the District review its Uniform Guidance policies with all staff to ensure procurement requirements are understood and implement controls to help ensure compliance. We also recommend the District review and update policies and procedures over review of certain transactions to ensure that all federal grants with covered transactions have vendors reviewed for suspension and debarment status prior to entering into the transaction. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Criteria: 2 CFR Section 320.318(i) requires the District to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will 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. CFR Section 200.214 requires nonfederal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition/Context: The District is part of a consortium composed of multiple school districts that designated one member district to handle procurement, suspension and debarment for all consortium members' food service programs. District policy requires District approval of the contracts after consortium finishes the proposal process and selects the prime vendors for the year. Cause: The District was not aware until mid-year that they needed to document controls ensuring District policy was followed and that it needed to maintain documentation regarding compliance when the consortium handled the process. Effect: Procurement contracts may not be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Recommendation: We recommend that the District review its Uniform Guidance policies with all staff to ensure procurement requirements are understood and implement controls to ensure compliance. We also recommend the District review and update policies and procedures over review of certain transactions to ensure that all federal grants with covered transactions have vendors reviewed for suspension and debarment status.
Criteria: 2 CFR Section 320.318(i) requires the District to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will 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. CFR Section 200.214 requires nonfederal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition/Context: The District is part of a consortium composed of multiple school districts that designated one member district to handle procurement, suspension and debarment for all consortium members' food service programs. District policy requires District approval of the contracts after consortium finishes the proposal process and selects the prime vendors for the year. Cause: The District was not aware until mid-year that they needed to document controls ensuring District policy was followed and that it needed to maintain documentation regarding compliance when the consortium handled the process. Effect: Procurement contracts may not be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Recommendation: We recommend that the District review its Uniform Guidance policies with all staff to ensure procurement requirements are understood and implement controls to ensure compliance. We also recommend the District review and update policies and procedures over review of certain transactions to ensure that all federal grants with covered transactions have vendors reviewed for suspension and debarment status.
Criteria: 2 CFR Section 320.318(i) requires the District to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will 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. CFR Section 200.214 requires nonfederal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition/Context: The District is part of a consortium composed of multiple school districts that designated one member district to handle procurement, suspension and debarment for all consortium members' food service programs. District policy requires District approval of the contracts after consortium finishes the proposal process and selects the prime vendors for the year. Cause: The District was not aware until mid-year that they needed to document controls ensuring District policy was followed and that it needed to maintain documentation regarding compliance when the consortium handled the process. Effect: Procurement contracts may not be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Recommendation: We recommend that the District review its Uniform Guidance policies with all staff to ensure procurement requirements are understood and implement controls to ensure compliance. We also recommend the District review and update policies and procedures over review of certain transactions to ensure that all federal grants with covered transactions have vendors reviewed for suspension and debarment status.
U.S. Department of Education Passed-through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027 & 84.173 COVID-19 – Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027X & 84.173X Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls Over Compliance Criteria: Per 2 CFR section 200.214, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. Condition: Suspension and debarment compliance was not verified for two covered transactions. Cause: Lack of appropriate oversight resulted in required suspension and debarment checks not being performed. Effect: Grant transactions are not supported adequately, and the School is at risk of awarding contracts to vendors not eligible to participate in federal awards programs. It was determined that none of the three vendors were suspended or debarred from federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: The School should implement procedures to document that all contractors under covered transactions that are performing services for the grant are not suspended or debarred.
U.S. Department of Education Passed-through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027 & 84.173 COVID-19 – Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027X & 84.173X Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls Over Compliance Criteria: Per 2 CFR section 200.214, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. Condition: Suspension and debarment compliance was not verified for two covered transactions. Cause: Lack of appropriate oversight resulted in required suspension and debarment checks not being performed. Effect: Grant transactions are not supported adequately, and the School is at risk of awarding contracts to vendors not eligible to participate in federal awards programs. It was determined that none of the three vendors were suspended or debarred from federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: The School should implement procedures to document that all contractors under covered transactions that are performing services for the grant are not suspended or debarred.
U.S. Department of Education Passed-through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027 & 84.173 COVID-19 – Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027X & 84.173X Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls Over Compliance Criteria: Per 2 CFR section 200.214, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. Condition: Suspension and debarment compliance was not verified for two covered transactions. Cause: Lack of appropriate oversight resulted in required suspension and debarment checks not being performed. Effect: Grant transactions are not supported adequately, and the School is at risk of awarding contracts to vendors not eligible to participate in federal awards programs. It was determined that none of the three vendors were suspended or debarred from federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: The School should implement procedures to document that all contractors under covered transactions that are performing services for the grant are not suspended or debarred.
U.S. Department of Education Passed-through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027 & 84.173 COVID-19 – Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027X & 84.173X Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls Over Compliance Criteria: Per 2 CFR section 200.214, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. Condition: Suspension and debarment compliance was not verified for two covered transactions. Cause: Lack of appropriate oversight resulted in required suspension and debarment checks not being performed. Effect: Grant transactions are not supported adequately, and the School is at risk of awarding contracts to vendors not eligible to participate in federal awards programs. It was determined that none of the three vendors were suspended or debarred from federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: The School should implement procedures to document that all contractors under covered transactions that are performing services for the grant are not suspended or debarred.
U.S. Department of Education Passed-through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027 & 84.173 COVID-19 – Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027X & 84.173X Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls Over Compliance Criteria: Per 2 CFR section 200.214, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. Condition: Suspension and debarment compliance was not verified for two covered transactions. Cause: Lack of appropriate oversight resulted in required suspension and debarment checks not being performed. Effect: Grant transactions are not supported adequately, and the School is at risk of awarding contracts to vendors not eligible to participate in federal awards programs. It was determined that none of the three vendors were suspended or debarred from federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: The School should implement procedures to document that all contractors under covered transactions that are performing services for the grant are not suspended or debarred.
U.S. Department of Education Passed-through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027 & 84.173 COVID-19 – Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – ALN 84.027X & 84.173X Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls Over Compliance Criteria: Per 2 CFR section 200.214, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. Condition: Suspension and debarment compliance was not verified for two covered transactions. Cause: Lack of appropriate oversight resulted in required suspension and debarment checks not being performed. Effect: Grant transactions are not supported adequately, and the School is at risk of awarding contracts to vendors not eligible to participate in federal awards programs. It was determined that none of the three vendors were suspended or debarred from federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: The School should implement procedures to document that all contractors under covered transactions that are performing services for the grant are not suspended or debarred.
The Christian County Fiscal Court Did Not Have Adequate Controls Over The Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Compliance Requirement On Federal Expenditures Federal Program: Assistance Listing #21.027 COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Award Number and Year: Information not available Name of Federal Agency and Pass-Thru Agency (if applicable): U.S. Department of Treasury Compliance Requirements: Procurement, Suspension & Debarment Type of Finding: Material Weakness Amount of Questioned Costs: $0 Opinion Modification (if applicable): No COVID Related: Yes The Christian County Fiscal Court failed to implement adequate controls over Procurement, Suspension and Debarment compliance requirements of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). The disbursement of the SLFRF monies was not handled in the manner prescribed by the county’s administrative code. Three disbursements totaling $1,378,654 were tested and purchase orders were not utilized for any of the three disbursements. The fiscal court also failed to document adequate controls concerning the compliance with suspension and debarment requirements. There was no documentation that suspension and debarment compliance requirements were followed. The county’s contracts with local utilities failed to include suspension and debarment requirements. Additionally, there was no documentation that a search for suspended or debarred parties was performed prior to disbursing the funds to the utilities. The county treasurer was not aware purchase orders were not issued. Preprinted purchase orders for the ARPA (SLFRF) Fund were not available for use. There was a breakdown in the verification process of debarred or suspended parties. Since the fiscal court did not issue purchase orders for the disbursements from the SLFRF monies, amounts spent could have exceeded budgetary restrictions, rendering them void. Additionally, because there was no documented search for suspended or debarred parties, ineligible vendors or contractors could have been utilized putting the county at risk for being held responsible for unallowed or questioned costs. 2 CFR 200.318(a) states “The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward.” The Christian County Administrative Code section 4.5 states for claims against Christian County “Each claim shall be recorded by date, receipts, and purchase order number and presented to the Fiscal Court at its next meeting.” Additionally, the Department of Local Government (DLG) requires counties to implement a purchase order system which includes issuing purchase orders for all claims expended from the county’s budget. Good internal controls require the use of established procurement policies to ensure that federal disbursements are handled in the manner consistent with the treatment of non-federal disbursements. 2 CFR 200.214 states “Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 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.” Good internal controls dictate documentation be maintained that verifies debarment and suspension regulations have been communicated and followed for vendors or contractors used in federally funded projects. We recommend that the county improve internal controls over federal expenditures to ensure all compliance requirements are followed. This is not a repeat finding from the previous year.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 21.027, U.S. Department of the Treasury, COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Award Identification Number and Year - Not applicable Pass-through Entity - Not applicable Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - No Criteria - 2 CFR 200.214 requires non-federal entities to comply with regulations related to suspension and debarment. Condition - The City had no control procedures in place for ensuring contractors performing work on federal projects were not suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs - None. Although there was no verification that the contractor was not suspended or debarred prior to the audit, a subsequent check was performed to verify the vendor was not suspended or debarred. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - Not applicable Context - The City utilized one contractor for the civic center improvement project paid with Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Cause and Effect - Without controls in place to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred, the City risks entering into contracts with excluded parties, which would be considered noncompliance with the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation - We recommend the City update its policies to include controls for verifying contractors are not suspended or debarred. Although this is a requirement only for contracts involving the use of federal funds, the City may want to update its policies over all procurements, not just those related to federally funded projects. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan - City manager office staff has searched the state procurement office webpage to check if any vendor for a federal project is on the debarment list, which they are not. In the future, as part of Federal Grant Funding implementation, staff will check vendors to make sure they are not debarred or suspended from federal funding awards.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 21.027, U.S. Department of the Treasury, COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Award Identification Number and Year - Not applicable Pass-through Entity - Not applicable Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - No Criteria - 2 CFR 200.214 requires non-federal entities to comply with regulations related to suspension and debarment. Condition - The City had no control procedures in place for ensuring contractors performing work on federal projects were not suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs - None. Although there was no verification that the contractor was not suspended or debarred prior to the audit, a subsequent check was performed to verify the vendor was not suspended or debarred. Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - Not applicable Context - The City utilized one contractor for the civic center improvement project paid with Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Cause and Effect - Without controls in place to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred, the City risks entering into contracts with excluded parties, which would be considered noncompliance with the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation - We recommend the City update its policies to include controls for verifying contractors are not suspended or debarred. Although this is a requirement only for contracts involving the use of federal funds, the City may want to update its policies over all procurements, not just those related to federally funded projects. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan - City manager office staff has searched the state procurement office webpage to check if any vendor for a federal project is on the debarment list, which they are not. In the future, as part of Federal Grant Funding implementation, staff will check vendors to make sure they are not debarred or suspended from federal funding awards.
U.S. Department of Treasury COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, 21.027 Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Grant Award Number: Affects all grant awards included under assistance listing 21.027 on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Criteria: Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) requires contracts contain the applicable provisions described in Appendix II to Part 200 for contracts under federal awards. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. Non-federal entities may verify that a party is not suspended or debarred by checking the Excluded Parties List System, collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction vehicle. (2 CFR 200.214, 2 CFR Part 180). Condition: Suspension and debarment verification procedures were not performed prior to entering into covered transactions. Cause: Pershing County did not have adequate internal controls to ensure suspension and debarment verification procedures were performed prior to entering into all covered transactions. Effect: Contractors may not be aware of required terms and conditions and payments could be made to recipients who are suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Context/Sampling: The total population of two contracts subject to suspension and debarment verification procedures were selected for testing. Suspension and debarment procedures were not performed for either contract. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: We recommend the County enhance internal controls to ensure all contracts under federal awards contain the applicable provisions related to suspension and debarment or other procedures are performed to verify that the party is not suspended or debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
U.S. Department of Treasury COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, 21.027 Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Grant Award Number: Affects all grant awards included under assistance listing 21.027 on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Criteria: Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) requires contracts contain the applicable provisions described in Appendix II to Part 200 for contracts under federal awards. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. Non-federal entities may verify that a party is not suspended or debarred by checking the Excluded Parties List System, collecting a certification from the entity, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction vehicle. (2 CFR 200.214, 2 CFR Part 180). Condition: Suspension and debarment verification procedures were not performed prior to entering into covered transactions. Cause: Pershing County did not have adequate internal controls to ensure suspension and debarment verification procedures were performed prior to entering into all covered transactions. Effect: Contractors may not be aware of required terms and conditions and payments could be made to recipients who are suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Context/Sampling: The total population of two contracts subject to suspension and debarment verification procedures were selected for testing. Suspension and debarment procedures were not performed for either contract. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: We recommend the County enhance internal controls to ensure all contracts under federal awards contain the applicable provisions related to suspension and debarment or other procedures are performed to verify that the party is not suspended or debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Federal Agency: United State Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553 and 10.555 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Numbers: 2023-155130-SB-546; 2023-155130-NSL-547 Award Period: 07/01/2022 – 06/30/2023 Compliance Requirement Affected: Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Condition District did not document procedures for verification of suspension and debarment of vendors. Questioned Costs None. Criteria 2 CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Context The District did not review 1 of 2 vendors tested in our sample to ensure they were not suspended or debarred when initiating covered transactions in the current year. Cause The District does not have a policy or procedure in place to check if a vendor is debarred or suspended. Effect The District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds.Repeat Finding No Recommendation We recommend the District use sam.gov listing to review clients at the beginning of the year or before a transaction is incurred in accordance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: United State Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553 and 10.555 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Numbers: 2023-155130-SB-546; 2023-155130-NSL-547 Award Period: 07/01/2022 – 06/30/2023 Compliance Requirement Affected: Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance Condition District did not document procedures for verification of suspension and debarment of vendors. Questioned Costs None. Criteria 2 CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Context The District did not review 1 of 2 vendors tested in our sample to ensure they were not suspended or debarred when initiating covered transactions in the current year. Cause The District does not have a policy or procedure in place to check if a vendor is debarred or suspended. Effect The District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds.Repeat Finding No Recommendation We recommend the District use sam.gov listing to review clients at the beginning of the year or before a transaction is incurred in accordance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2023-004 Child Nutrition Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Unknown Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Entity Identifying Number: 2023-371561-DPI-SB-546, 2023-371561-DPI-NSL-547 Award Period: 7/1/2022-6/30/23 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Other Matter Criteria or Specific Requirement: CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Compliance Requirements: Suspension and Debarment. Condition: The District's search for suspension and debarment was focused on common vendors that the District used often and consistently rather than all vendors that met the covered transaction requirements. Questioned Costs: None. Context: One out of the two vendors in our sample did not have any review completed by the District to ensure they were not suspended or debarred when initiating covered transactions in the current year. Cause: The District was unclear on when exactly certain transactions and vendors needed to be verified. Effect: District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the District review and update policies and procedures over review of certain transactions to ensure that all federal grants with covered transactions have vendors reviewed for suspension and debarment status. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2023-004 Child Nutrition Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Unknown Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Entity Identifying Number: 2023-371561-DPI-SB-546, 2023-371561-DPI-NSL-547 Award Period: 7/1/2022-6/30/23 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Other Matter Criteria or Specific Requirement: CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Compliance Requirements: Suspension and Debarment. Condition: The District's search for suspension and debarment was focused on common vendors that the District used often and consistently rather than all vendors that met the covered transaction requirements. Questioned Costs: None. Context: One out of the two vendors in our sample did not have any review completed by the District to ensure they were not suspended or debarred when initiating covered transactions in the current year. Cause: The District was unclear on when exactly certain transactions and vendors needed to be verified. Effect: District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the District review and update policies and procedures over review of certain transactions to ensure that all federal grants with covered transactions have vendors reviewed for suspension and debarment status. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2023-004 Child Nutrition Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Title: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: Unknown Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Entity Identifying Number: 2023-371561-DPI-SB-546, 2023-371561-DPI-NSL-547 Award Period: 7/1/2022-6/30/23 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Other Matter Criteria or Specific Requirement: CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Compliance Requirements: Suspension and Debarment. Condition: The District's search for suspension and debarment was focused on common vendors that the District used often and consistently rather than all vendors that met the covered transaction requirements. Questioned Costs: None. Context: One out of the two vendors in our sample did not have any review completed by the District to ensure they were not suspended or debarred when initiating covered transactions in the current year. Cause: The District was unclear on when exactly certain transactions and vendors needed to be verified. Effect: District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the District review and update policies and procedures over review of certain transactions to ensure that all federal grants with covered transactions have vendors reviewed for suspension and debarment status. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: US Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220064, H173A220070 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2023-052289-DPI-FLOW-341, 2023-052289-DPI-WCCA-342, Unknown, 2023-052289-DPI-PRESCH-347 Award Period: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matter Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR Section 320.318(i) requires the District to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will 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. CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The District has a policy to maintain documentation of the procurement process for any transaction, and to verify suspension and debarment status for the transactions over $25,000 related to federal grants but they have not implemented formal internal controls to ensure that they did follow the procurement policy and check suspension and debarment. Questioned Costs: None Context: The District did not maintain documentation for the reasoning that two of the seven procurement transactions in our sample (repeat contracts) were designated as a sole source. The District did not verify suspension and debarment for two of the five vendors (with repeat contracts) prior to signing the contract applicable for the current year. Cause: The District does not maintain a listing of the repeat contracts to determine if it they are currently within the term of the original contract, have an addendum to the length of term on the original contract, or are in new procurement for the same product from a vendor that was previously designated as a sole source. Therefore, the District could not easily provide a listing of procurements that are applicable to the current year, provide documentation of the reasons to utilize these vendors and since they were long term vendors, the District was not aware they needed to be rechecked for suspension and debarment every time a new contract was entered into. Additionally, individual invoices under these repeat contracts do not require a purchase order. Therefore, they did not go through the procurement department to verify the procurement process was performed and properly documented, and the suspension and debarment was included on the contract. Effect: Procurement transactions may not be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. The District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the District review its Uniform Guidance policies with all staff to ensure procurement requirements are understood and implement controls to help ensure the proper procurement method was followed and procurement history is documented. We also recommend the District review and update policies and procedures over review of certain transactions to ensure that all federal grants with covered transactions have vendors reviewed for suspension and debarment status. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: US Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220064, H173A220070 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2023-052289-DPI-FLOW-341, 2023-052289-DPI-WCCA-342, Unknown, 2023-052289-DPI-PRESCH-347 Award Period: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matter Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR Section 320.318(i) requires the District to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will 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. CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The District has a policy to maintain documentation of the procurement process for any transaction, and to verify suspension and debarment status for the transactions over $25,000 related to federal grants but they have not implemented formal internal controls to ensure that they did follow the procurement policy and check suspension and debarment. Questioned Costs: None Context: The District did not maintain documentation for the reasoning that two of the seven procurement transactions in our sample (repeat contracts) were designated as a sole source. The District did not verify suspension and debarment for two of the five vendors (with repeat contracts) prior to signing the contract applicable for the current year. Cause: The District does not maintain a listing of the repeat contracts to determine if it they are currently within the term of the original contract, have an addendum to the length of term on the original contract, or are in new procurement for the same product from a vendor that was previously designated as a sole source. Therefore, the District could not easily provide a listing of procurements that are applicable to the current year, provide documentation of the reasons to utilize these vendors and since they were long term vendors, the District was not aware they needed to be rechecked for suspension and debarment every time a new contract was entered into. Additionally, individual invoices under these repeat contracts do not require a purchase order. Therefore, they did not go through the procurement department to verify the procurement process was performed and properly documented, and the suspension and debarment was included on the contract. Effect: Procurement transactions may not be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. The District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the District review its Uniform Guidance policies with all staff to ensure procurement requirements are understood and implement controls to help ensure the proper procurement method was followed and procurement history is documented. We also recommend the District review and update policies and procedures over review of certain transactions to ensure that all federal grants with covered transactions have vendors reviewed for suspension and debarment status. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: US Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220064, H173A220070 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2023-052289-DPI-FLOW-341, 2023-052289-DPI-WCCA-342, Unknown, 2023-052289-DPI-PRESCH-347 Award Period: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matter Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR Section 320.318(i) requires the District to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will 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. CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The District has a policy to maintain documentation of the procurement process for any transaction, and to verify suspension and debarment status for the transactions over $25,000 related to federal grants but they have not implemented formal internal controls to ensure that they did follow the procurement policy and check suspension and debarment. Questioned Costs: None Context: The District did not maintain documentation for the reasoning that two of the seven procurement transactions in our sample (repeat contracts) were designated as a sole source. The District did not verify suspension and debarment for two of the five vendors (with repeat contracts) prior to signing the contract applicable for the current year. Cause: The District does not maintain a listing of the repeat contracts to determine if it they are currently within the term of the original contract, have an addendum to the length of term on the original contract, or are in new procurement for the same product from a vendor that was previously designated as a sole source. Therefore, the District could not easily provide a listing of procurements that are applicable to the current year, provide documentation of the reasons to utilize these vendors and since they were long term vendors, the District was not aware they needed to be rechecked for suspension and debarment every time a new contract was entered into. Additionally, individual invoices under these repeat contracts do not require a purchase order. Therefore, they did not go through the procurement department to verify the procurement process was performed and properly documented, and the suspension and debarment was included on the contract. Effect: Procurement transactions may not be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. The District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the District review its Uniform Guidance policies with all staff to ensure procurement requirements are understood and implement controls to help ensure the proper procurement method was followed and procurement history is documented. We also recommend the District review and update policies and procedures over review of certain transactions to ensure that all federal grants with covered transactions have vendors reviewed for suspension and debarment status. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: US Department of Education Federal Program Name: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.027 and 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H027A220064, H173A220070 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Number(s): 2023-052289-DPI-FLOW-341, 2023-052289-DPI-WCCA-342, Unknown, 2023-052289-DPI-PRESCH-347 Award Period: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matter Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR Section 320.318(i) requires the District to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will 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. CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The District has a policy to maintain documentation of the procurement process for any transaction, and to verify suspension and debarment status for the transactions over $25,000 related to federal grants but they have not implemented formal internal controls to ensure that they did follow the procurement policy and check suspension and debarment. Questioned Costs: None Context: The District did not maintain documentation for the reasoning that two of the seven procurement transactions in our sample (repeat contracts) were designated as a sole source. The District did not verify suspension and debarment for two of the five vendors (with repeat contracts) prior to signing the contract applicable for the current year. Cause: The District does not maintain a listing of the repeat contracts to determine if it they are currently within the term of the original contract, have an addendum to the length of term on the original contract, or are in new procurement for the same product from a vendor that was previously designated as a sole source. Therefore, the District could not easily provide a listing of procurements that are applicable to the current year, provide documentation of the reasons to utilize these vendors and since they were long term vendors, the District was not aware they needed to be rechecked for suspension and debarment every time a new contract was entered into. Additionally, individual invoices under these repeat contracts do not require a purchase order. Therefore, they did not go through the procurement department to verify the procurement process was performed and properly documented, and the suspension and debarment was included on the contract. Effect: Procurement transactions may not be in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. The District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the District review its Uniform Guidance policies with all staff to ensure procurement requirements are understood and implement controls to help ensure the proper procurement method was followed and procurement history is documented. We also recommend the District review and update policies and procedures over review of certain transactions to ensure that all federal grants with covered transactions have vendors reviewed for suspension and debarment status. View of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Program - AL 21.027 – COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Suspension & Debarment Grant Number & Year - SLFRP0980, March 3, 2021, through December 31, 2024 Federal Grantor Agency - U.S. Department of the Treasury Criteria - Title 2 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 200.303 (January 1, 2023) states the following, in relevant part: The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The U.S. Department of the Treasury adopted the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR § 1000.10 (January 1, 2023), which states the following: Except for the deviations set forth elsewhere in this Part, the Department of the Treasury adopts the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, set forth at 2 CFR part 200. 2 CFR § 200.214 (January 1, 2023) states the following: Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 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. 2 CFR § 180.300 (January 1, 2023) requires non-Federal entities to verify that an entity is not excluded or disqualified prior to entering into a covered transaction by: “(a) Checking SAM [System for Award Management] Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that . . . [entity]; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that . . . [entity].” A good internal control plan requires the County to have proper procedures in place to verify that contractors paid with Federal funds are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities. Condition - Richardson County could not provide documentation to support that the County implemented effective internal controls to ensure that suspension and debarment requirements were followed and adequately documented for vendor claims. We noted the County used Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to pay two vendors over $25,000, totaling $796,545, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. The County failed to ensure that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified prior to entering into these covered transactions. We reviewed SAM.gov, and noted that none of these vendors were suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in Federal programs or activities as of the date testing was performed. Repeat Finding - No Questioned Costs - None Statistical Sample - No Context - The following table provides details of the covered transactions noted: TABLE Cause - Lack of procedures and knowledge regarding suspension and debarment requirements. Effect - Without adequate procedures to ensure contractors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities, there is an increased risk for the misuse of Federal funds and noncompliance with Federal regulations, leading to possible Federal sanctions. Recommendation - We recommend the County implement procedures to ensure, prior to entering into a covered transaction, that a contractor is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities, and those procedures are adequately documented. View of Officials - The County has put adopted new procedures within the Accounts Payable County Procedure Manual to actively verify vendors for eligibility utilizing the SAM exclusion database system. Procedure will include a printed copy of the search that will be signed and dated by the employee conducting the search. Document will be attached to the vendor file and the transaction that initiated the search.
U.S. Department of Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Numbers – 84.027, 84.027a, 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2023-050182-DPI-IDEA-FT-341, 2023-050182-DPI-IDEA-P-347 and Year 2022-2023 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Award Period: 7/1/22 – 6/30/23 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in internal control over compliance, Others Matters Criteria or Specific Requirements: 2 CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The District could not provide proof of verification of the suspension and debarment status of vendors before entering into services. Context: The District did not review 3 of 5 vendors tested in our sample to ensure they were not suspended or debarred when initiating covered transactions in the current year. Cause: The District did not follow their Federal Funds Suspension and Debarment Policy related to appropriate methods of verifying vendors are not suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Repeat Finding: 2022-004 Effect: The District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Recommendation: We recommend the District include contract language which ensures vendor are not suspended or debarred as well as utilize sam.gov or the ELPS listing to review vendors at the beginning of the year or before a transaction is incurred in accordance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this finding and management has developed a plan to correct the finding.
U.S. Department of Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Numbers – 84.027, 84.027a, 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2023-050182-DPI-IDEA-FT-341, 2023-050182-DPI-IDEA-P-347 and Year 2022-2023 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Award Period: 7/1/22 – 6/30/23 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in internal control over compliance, Others Matters Criteria or Specific Requirements: 2 CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The District could not provide proof of verification of the suspension and debarment status of vendors before entering into services. Context: The District did not review 3 of 5 vendors tested in our sample to ensure they were not suspended or debarred when initiating covered transactions in the current year. Cause: The District did not follow their Federal Funds Suspension and Debarment Policy related to appropriate methods of verifying vendors are not suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Repeat Finding: 2022-004 Effect: The District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Recommendation: We recommend the District include contract language which ensures vendor are not suspended or debarred as well as utilize sam.gov or the ELPS listing to review vendors at the beginning of the year or before a transaction is incurred in accordance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this finding and management has developed a plan to correct the finding.
U.S. Department of Education Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Assistance Listing Numbers – 84.027, 84.027a, 84.173 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2023-050182-DPI-IDEA-FT-341, 2023-050182-DPI-IDEA-P-347 and Year 2022-2023 Pass-Through Agency: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Award Period: 7/1/22 – 6/30/23 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in internal control over compliance, Others Matters Criteria or Specific Requirements: 2 CFR Section 200.214 requires non-federal entities to follow suspension and debarment regulations outlined in 2 CFR part 180. When a nonfederal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the nonfederal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Condition: The District could not provide proof of verification of the suspension and debarment status of vendors before entering into services. Context: The District did not review 3 of 5 vendors tested in our sample to ensure they were not suspended or debarred when initiating covered transactions in the current year. Cause: The District did not follow their Federal Funds Suspension and Debarment Policy related to appropriate methods of verifying vendors are not suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Repeat Finding: 2022-004 Effect: The District could contract with a vendor that has been suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds. Recommendation: We recommend the District include contract language which ensures vendor are not suspended or debarred as well as utilize sam.gov or the ELPS listing to review vendors at the beginning of the year or before a transaction is incurred in accordance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with this finding and management has developed a plan to correct the finding.
Program - AL 21.027 – COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Suspension & Debarment Grant Number & Year - SLFRP1474, March 3, 2021, through December 31, 2024 Federal Grantor Agency - U.S. Department of the Treasury Criteria - Title 2 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 200.303 (January 1, 2023) states the following, in relevant part: The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The U.S. Department of the Treasury adopted the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR § 1000.10 (January 1, 2023), which states the following: Except for the deviations set forth elsewhere in this Part, the Department of the Treasury adopts the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, set forth at 2 CFR part 200. 2 CFR § 200.214 (January 1, 2023) states the following: Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 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. 2 CFR § 180.300 (January 1, 2023) requires non-Federal entities to verify that an entity is not excluded or disqualified prior to entering into a covered transaction by: “(a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that . . . [entity]; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that . . . [entity].” A good internal control plan requires the County to have proper procedures in place to verify that contractors paid with Federal funds are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities. Condition - Jefferson County could not provide documentation to support that the County implemented effective internal controls to ensure that suspension and debarment requirements were followed and adequately documented for vendor claims. We noted the County used Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to pay four vendors over $25,000, totaling $594,385, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. The County failed to ensure that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified prior to entering into these covered transactions. We reviewed SAM.gov, and noted that none of these vendors were suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in Federal programs or activities as of the date testing was performed. Repeat Finding - No Questioned Costs - None Statistical Sample - No Context - The following table provides details of the covered transactions noted: [TABLE] Cause - Lack of procedures and knowledge regarding suspension and debarment requirements. Effect - Without adequate procedures to ensure contractors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities, there is an increased risk for the misuse of Federal funds and noncompliance with Federal regulations, leading to possible Federal sanctions. Recommendation - We recommend the County implement procedures to ensure, prior to entering into a covered transaction, that a contractor is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities, and those procedures are adequately documented. View of Officials - The County plans to check the SAM (System for Award Management) formerly Excluded Parties Listing System (EPLS), which is maintained by the General Services Administration before any funds are disbursed to vendors/entities.
Federal program: Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities Assistance listing number: 10.760 Federal agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Pass-through entity: n/a – direct award Pass-through entity identification number: n/a Type of Finding: Significant deficiency in internal control over compliance. Criteria: Per 2 CFR Section 200.214, non-federal entities are subject to the non-procurement and suspension regulations restricting awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred or suspended. Condition: The Town does not have a formal procedure to determine that contractors are not debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Cause: Town personnel were unaware of this requirement. Effect: Transactions could occur that did not comply with federal regulations. Questioned costs: None Repeat finding: The Town of Bridgewater, Vermont was not required to have a Single Audit for its prior fiscal year. Accordingly, this is not a repeat finding. Perspective information: The finding was based on requesting the Town’s policies and procedures related to federal compliance and therefore was not the result of a statistical sample. Recommendation: The auditor recommends that the Town obtain an understanding of the required procedures in the Code of Federal Regulations as applicable to its federal programs, create and formally adopt those required procedures.
Program: AL 84.282A – Charter Schools Program Criteria In accordance with 2 CFR 200.214, non-federal entities are subject to the procurement, debarment and suspension regulations implementing executive orders and 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict non-federal entities from entering into covered transactions with certain parties that are deemed debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in federal assistance programs or activities. Condition and Context Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools’ internal controls over compliance did not cause the entity to retain documentation supporting compliance with the suspension and debarment regulations. In accordance with 2 CFR 200 Appendix XI, Part 3-I-2, when an entity enters into a covered transaction, a non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR Section 180.995, is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools has a written policy that states prior to entering into the procurement process, each vendor will be researched to determine that they have not been suspended or debarred. However, Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools did not retain supporting documentation to verify this research was performed. Effect Without appropriate documentation, non-compliance could occur which the entity may not identify. Cause Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools’ procurement policies did not include a requirement to retain supporting documentation of the research performed to determine if a vendor is suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. Recommendation We recommend the Charter Schools develop a control, with formal written documentation, showing the Charter Schools have researched the entity prior to the Charter Schools entering into the covered transaction. This documentation should be reviewed by the proper member of leadership to ensure the entity has been researched prior to entering into the covered transaction. Questioned Costs: N/A Views of Responsible Officials: We are in agreement with the finding and Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools’ management will retain proper support of research performed prior to entering into a covered transaction. Auditor’s Evaluation of the Views of Responsible Officials: Management’s response is appropriate to address the finding. If properly implemented, management’s response would include procedures to prevent reoccurrence in the future.
Program: AL 21.027 – COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Suspension & Debarment Grant Number & Year: SLFRP2375, March 3, 2021, through December 31, 2024 Federal Grantor Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Criteria: Title 2 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 200.303 (January 1, 2023) states the following, in relevant part: The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 2 CFR § 200.214 (January 1, 2023) states the following: Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 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 U.S. Department of the Treasury adopted the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR § 1000.10 (January 1, 2023), which states the following: Except for the deviations set forth elsewhere in this Part, the Department of the Treasury adopts the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, set forth at 2 CFR part 200. 2 CFR § 180.300 (January 1, 2023) requires non-Federal entities to verify that an entity is not excluded or disqualified prior to entering into a covered transaction by “(a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that . . . [entity]; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that . . . [entity].” A good internal control plan requires the County to have proper procedures in place to verify that contractors paid with Federal funds are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities. Condition: Colfax County could not provide documentation to support that the County implemented effective internal controls to ensure that suspension and debarment requirements were followed and adequately documented. We noted the County used Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to pay three entities over $25,000 each, totaling $1,054,577, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. The County failed to ensure that these entities were not excluded or disqualified prior to entering into these covered transactions. We reviewed SAM.gov, and noted that none of these entities were suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in Federal programs or activities as of the date testing was performed. Repeat Finding: No Questioned Costs: None Statistical Sample: No Context: The following table provides details of the covered transactions noted: Cause: Lack of procedures to ensure the County’s review of SAM.gov was documented and maintained on file for subsequent review Effect: Without adequate procedures to ensure contractors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities, there is an increased risk for the misuse of Federal funds and noncompliance with Federal regulations, leading to possible Federal sanctions. Recommendation: We recommend the County implement procedures to ensure, prior to entering into a covered transaction, that a contractor is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities, and those procedures are adequately documented. View of Officials: Procedures implemented to print the page of Sam.gov website
Program - AL 21.027 – COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Suspension & Debarment Grant Number & Year - SLFRP3004, March 3, 2021, through December 31, 2024 Federal Grantor Agency - U.S. Department of the Treasury Criteria - Title 2 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 200.303 (January 1, 2023) states the following, in relevant part: The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) . . . . The U.S. Department of the Treasury adopted the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR § 1000.10 (January 1, 2023), which states the following: Except for the deviations set forth elsewhere in this Part, the Department of the Treasury adopts the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, set forth at 2 CFR part 200. 2 CFR § 200.214 (January 1, 2023) states the following: Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 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. 2 CFR § 180.300 (January 1, 2023) requires non-Federal entities to verify that an entity is not excluded or disqualified prior to entering into a covered transaction by: “(a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that . . . [entity]; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that . . . [entity].” A good internal control plan requires the County to have proper procedures in place to verify that contractors paid with Federal funds are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities. Condition - Saunders County could not provide documentation to support the County implemented effective internal controls to ensure that suspension and debarment requirements were followed and adequately documented. We noted the County used Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to pay two vendors over $25,000, totaling $1,750,730, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. The County failed to ensure that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified prior to entering into these covered transactions. We reviewed SAM.gov, and noted these vendors were not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in Federal programs or activities as of the date tested was performed. Repeat Finding - No Questioned Costs - None Statistical Sample - No Context - The following table provides details of the covered transactions noted: Cause - Lack of procedures and knowledge regarding suspension and debarment requirements. Effect - Without adequate procedures to ensure contractors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities, there is an increased risk for the misuse of Federal funds and noncompliance with Federal regulations, leading to possible Federal sanctions. Recommendation - We recommend the County implement procedures to ensure, prior to entering into a covered transaction, that a contractor is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities, and those procedures are adequately documented. View of Officials - The County Attorney is writing up a policy.
Reference Number: 2023-001 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: Pass-Through Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Government of the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Federal Program: Securing the Cities Program Assistance Listing Number: 97.106 Award Number and Year: 17STC117-02, 20STC117-01 (9/1/2021-8/31/2023) Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: 2 CFR 200.214 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. 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: MWCOG did not determine the suspension and debarment status of vendors with expenditures exceeding $25,000 as required by federal regulations. Context: The suspension and debarment status for 2 of 2 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: MWCOG’s internal controls over suspension and debarment are not sufficient to ensure that all vendors’ suspension and debarment status is documented. Effect: Failure to verify and document the suspension and debarment status of vendors may result in MWCOG issuing payments to vendors that are suspended or debarred and not authorized to provide services under the program. Recommendation: MWCOG should ensure policies and procedures include the three options for determining suspension and debarment status listed in 2 CFR 180.300 and that controls are sufficient to ensure that the suspension and debarment status is verified for all vendors. Views of responsible officials: MWCOG will ensure that all vendors’ suspension and debarment status be documented in the procurement files at the time of contract with the vendors.
Reference Number: 2023-001 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: Pass-Through Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Government of the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Federal Program: Securing the Cities Program Assistance Listing Number: 97.106 Award Number and Year: 17STC117-02, 20STC117-01 (9/1/2021-8/31/2023) Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: 2 CFR 200.214 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. 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: MWCOG did not determine the suspension and debarment status of vendors with expenditures exceeding $25,000 as required by federal regulations. Context: The suspension and debarment status for 2 of 2 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: MWCOG’s internal controls over suspension and debarment are not sufficient to ensure that all vendors’ suspension and debarment status is documented. Effect: Failure to verify and document the suspension and debarment status of vendors may result in MWCOG issuing payments to vendors that are suspended or debarred and not authorized to provide services under the program. Recommendation: MWCOG should ensure policies and procedures include the three options for determining suspension and debarment status listed in 2 CFR 180.300 and that controls are sufficient to ensure that the suspension and debarment status is verified for all vendors. Views of responsible officials: MWCOG will ensure that all vendors’ suspension and debarment status be documented in the procurement files at the time of contract with the vendors.
CONDITION: The Northern Cambria School District does not routinely perform debarment and suspension checks for contractors through SAM.gov. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance, the District is subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict the awarding of contracts to certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible to participate in federal assistance programs. CAUSE: School District personnel were unaware that there was a website available to assist them in determining if a contractor/vendor was determined to be debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs. EFFECT: The Northern Cambria School District did not comply with the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance regarding the procedure required to determine whether a contractor/vendor was debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District utilize the SAM.gov website for determining whether contractors/vendors are debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs on all future applicable contract awards to ensure compliance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: During a review of three (3) selected procurement contracts entered into by the Northern Cambria School District, it was noted that the contracts did not contain the required terms and conditions for non-federal entity contracts. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.237 Subpart D regarding post federal award requirements, contracts entered into by non-federal agencies must contain the applicable terms and conditions described in Appendix II to Subpart D. CAUSE: School District personnel inadvertently did not include the required terms and conditions in the selected contracts procured with federal funding. EFFECT: The Northern Cambria School District did not comply with the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.237 Subpart D regarding post federal award requirements for contracts entered into by non-federal agencies which require these contracts to contain the applicable terms and conditions described in Appendix II to Subpart D. QUESTIONED COST: $1,575,366 (Eber HVAC-$1,475,100), (Advanced Office Systems-$26,851), (McGraw-Hill Education-$73,415). RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District utilize the SAM.gov website for determining whether contractors/vendors are debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs on all future applicable contract awards to ensure compliance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: The Northern Cambria School District does not routinely perform debarment and suspension checks for contractors through SAM.gov. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance, the District is subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict the awarding of contracts to certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible to participate in federal assistance programs. CAUSE: School District personnel were unaware that there was a website available to assist them in determining if a contractor/vendor was determined to be debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs. EFFECT: The Northern Cambria School District did not comply with the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance regarding the procedure required to determine whether a contractor/vendor was debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District utilize the SAM.gov website for determining whether contractors/vendors are debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs on all future applicable contract awards to ensure compliance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: During a review of three (3) selected procurement contracts entered into by the Northern Cambria School District, it was noted that the contracts did not contain the required terms and conditions for non-federal entity contracts. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.237 Subpart D regarding post federal award requirements, contracts entered into by non-federal agencies must contain the applicable terms and conditions described in Appendix II to Subpart D. CAUSE: School District personnel inadvertently did not include the required terms and conditions in the selected contracts procured with federal funding. EFFECT: The Northern Cambria School District did not comply with the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.237 Subpart D regarding post federal award requirements for contracts entered into by non-federal agencies which require these contracts to contain the applicable terms and conditions described in Appendix II to Subpart D. QUESTIONED COST: $1,575,366 (Eber HVAC-$1,475,100), (Advanced Office Systems-$26,851), (McGraw-Hill Education-$73,415). RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District utilize the SAM.gov website for determining whether contractors/vendors are debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs on all future applicable contract awards to ensure compliance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: The Northern Cambria School District does not routinely perform debarment and suspension checks for contractors through SAM.gov. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance, the District is subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict the awarding of contracts to certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible to participate in federal assistance programs. CAUSE: School District personnel were unaware that there was a website available to assist them in determining if a contractor/vendor was determined to be debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs. EFFECT: The Northern Cambria School District did not comply with the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance regarding the procedure required to determine whether a contractor/vendor was debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District utilize the SAM.gov website for determining whether contractors/vendors are debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs on all future applicable contract awards to ensure compliance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: During a review of three (3) selected procurement contracts entered into by the Northern Cambria School District, it was noted that the contracts did not contain the required terms and conditions for non-federal entity contracts. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.237 Subpart D regarding post federal award requirements, contracts entered into by non-federal agencies must contain the applicable terms and conditions described in Appendix II to Subpart D. CAUSE: School District personnel inadvertently did not include the required terms and conditions in the selected contracts procured with federal funding. EFFECT: The Northern Cambria School District did not comply with the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.237 Subpart D regarding post federal award requirements for contracts entered into by non-federal agencies which require these contracts to contain the applicable terms and conditions described in Appendix II to Subpart D. QUESTIONED COST: $1,575,366 (Eber HVAC-$1,475,100), (Advanced Office Systems-$26,851), (McGraw-Hill Education-$73,415). RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District utilize the SAM.gov website for determining whether contractors/vendors are debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs on all future applicable contract awards to ensure compliance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: The Northern Cambria School District does not routinely perform debarment and suspension checks for contractors through SAM.gov. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance, the District is subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict the awarding of contracts to certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible to participate in federal assistance programs. CAUSE: School District personnel were unaware that there was a website available to assist them in determining if a contractor/vendor was determined to be debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs. EFFECT: The Northern Cambria School District did not comply with the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance regarding the procedure required to determine whether a contractor/vendor was debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District utilize the SAM.gov website for determining whether contractors/vendors are debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs on all future applicable contract awards to ensure compliance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: During a review of three (3) selected procurement contracts entered into by the Northern Cambria School District, it was noted that the contracts did not contain the required terms and conditions for non-federal entity contracts. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.237 Subpart D regarding post federal award requirements, contracts entered into by non-federal agencies must contain the applicable terms and conditions described in Appendix II to Subpart D. CAUSE: School District personnel inadvertently did not include the required terms and conditions in the selected contracts procured with federal funding. EFFECT: The Northern Cambria School District did not comply with the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.237 Subpart D regarding post federal award requirements for contracts entered into by non-federal agencies which require these contracts to contain the applicable terms and conditions described in Appendix II to Subpart D. QUESTIONED COST: $1,575,366 (Eber HVAC-$1,475,100), (Advanced Office Systems-$26,851), (McGraw-Hill Education-$73,415). RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District utilize the SAM.gov website for determining whether contractors/vendors are debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs on all future applicable contract awards to ensure compliance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: The Northern Cambria School District does not routinely perform debarment and suspension checks for contractors through SAM.gov. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance, the District is subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict the awarding of contracts to certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible to participate in federal assistance programs. CAUSE: School District personnel were unaware that there was a website available to assist them in determining if a contractor/vendor was determined to be debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs. EFFECT: The Northern Cambria School District did not comply with the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance regarding the procedure required to determine whether a contractor/vendor was debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District utilize the SAM.gov website for determining whether contractors/vendors are debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs on all future applicable contract awards to ensure compliance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: During a review of three (3) selected procurement contracts entered into by the Northern Cambria School District, it was noted that the contracts did not contain the required terms and conditions for non-federal entity contracts. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.237 Subpart D regarding post federal award requirements, contracts entered into by non-federal agencies must contain the applicable terms and conditions described in Appendix II to Subpart D. CAUSE: School District personnel inadvertently did not include the required terms and conditions in the selected contracts procured with federal funding. EFFECT: The Northern Cambria School District did not comply with the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.237 Subpart D regarding post federal award requirements for contracts entered into by non-federal agencies which require these contracts to contain the applicable terms and conditions described in Appendix II to Subpart D. QUESTIONED COST: $1,575,366 (Eber HVAC-$1,475,100), (Advanced Office Systems-$26,851), (McGraw-Hill Education-$73,415). RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District utilize the SAM.gov website for determining whether contractors/vendors are debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs on all future applicable contract awards to ensure compliance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: The Northern Cambria School District does not routinely perform debarment and suspension checks for contractors through SAM.gov. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance, the District is subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. These regulations restrict the awarding of contracts to certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible to participate in federal assistance programs. CAUSE: School District personnel were unaware that there was a website available to assist them in determining if a contractor/vendor was determined to be debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs. EFFECT: The Northern Cambria School District did not comply with the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance regarding the procedure required to determine whether a contractor/vendor was debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs. QUESTIONED COST: None RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District utilize the SAM.gov website for determining whether contractors/vendors are debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs on all future applicable contract awards to ensure compliance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
CONDITION: During a review of three (3) selected procurement contracts entered into by the Northern Cambria School District, it was noted that the contracts did not contain the required terms and conditions for non-federal entity contracts. CRITERIA: In accordance with Section 2 CFR 200.237 Subpart D regarding post federal award requirements, contracts entered into by non-federal agencies must contain the applicable terms and conditions described in Appendix II to Subpart D. CAUSE: School District personnel inadvertently did not include the required terms and conditions in the selected contracts procured with federal funding. EFFECT: The Northern Cambria School District did not comply with the requirements of Section 2 CFR 200.237 Subpart D regarding post federal award requirements for contracts entered into by non-federal agencies which require these contracts to contain the applicable terms and conditions described in Appendix II to Subpart D. QUESTIONED COST: $1,575,366 (Eber HVAC-$1,475,100), (Advanced Office Systems-$26,851), (McGraw-Hill Education-$73,415). RECOMMENDATION: I am recommending that the management of the School District utilize the SAM.gov website for determining whether contractors/vendors are debarred or suspended from participating in federal assistance programs on all future applicable contract awards to ensure compliance with Section 2 CFR 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS: Management of the School District has reviewed the above noted finding and recommendation and have developed a corresponding ‘Corrective Action Plan’ to address this matter (See Corrective Action Plan).
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Noncompliance with Procurement, Suspension and Debarment and Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls Criteria: 2 CFR Part 200.214 indicates “the regulations in 2 CFR part 180 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: The City did not maintain documentation or have appropriate processes and procedures in place to ensure that prior to awarding contracts to outside parties the suspended or debarred list was checked to ensure the potential awardee was not prohibited from receiving federal funds. Cause: The City did not have policies and procedures in place to ensure the suspended and debarred list was checked consistently nor did they retain documentation of the list being checked prior to contracts being awarded to awardees. Effect: The City could award contracts to suspended or debarred parties. Questioned Costs: None Recommendations: We recommend the City implement processes and procedures to ensure the suspended and debarred listing is checked prior to awarding contracts to outside parties. In addition, we recommend the City maintain documentation of this check being performed. Views of responsible officials: Fiscal year 2022-23 was a challenging year for the City of Newport due to staff turnover and vacancies for key positions in Engineering, Public Works and Finance. Processes were in place to ensure that vendors were not on the suspended or debarred list prior to awarding contracts. However, due to key staff turnover, the documentation was not available to verify that the process was followed. The Finance Department and Engineering will work on a checklist to make sure all adequate written documentation is centrally kept with the awarded contract before awarding the contract.
Program: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Financial Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of Treasury Award No. and Year: 2021 Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance and Instance of Noncompliance Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Internal Controls, states that the 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. Title 2 CFR Section 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance states that the County must comply with 2 CFR part 180, which implements Executive Orders 12549 and 12689. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 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. Per 2 CFR Section 180.300, when a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov/SAM/, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity. 2 CFR section Appendix II to Part 200, Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards states that in addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity, all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain certain provisions, as applicable. Condition: During our testing of the Orange County Public Works (OCPW), Orange County Community Resources (OCCR) and the Social Services Agency’s (SSA) provisions for procurement requirements under the COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, we noted the following instances where there was no evidence that the OCPW, OCCR or SSA departments verified the entity was not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction, prior to entering the contract, in accordance with County policy: • Four (4) of four (4) contracts through the OCPW department selected for testing. • Three (3) of eight (8) contracts through the OCCR department selected for testing. • One (1) of one (1) contract through the SSA department selected for testing. The following information was not provided at the time of the contract award for four (4) of four (4) contracts selected for testing within the OCPW department, one (1) of one (1) contract selected within SSA, and five (5) of eight (8) contracts selected for testing within the OCCR department: • Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment • Clean Air Act and Federal Pollution Control Act provision The following information was not provided at the time of the contract award for two (2) of four (4) contracts selected for testing within the OCPW department and one (1) of one (1) contract selected for testing within SSA: • Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act provision The following information was not provided at the time of the contract award for one (1) of one contract selected for testing within SSA: • Davis-Bacon Act provision • Equal Employment Opportunity provision Cause: The OCPW, OCCR and SSA departments did not follow their policy to verify the information described in the condition prior to entering the transactions and did not consistently ensure that the applicable required provisions were communicated to contractors. Effect: The County’s control and compliance were not consistently followed, which required verification of suspension or debarment prior to entering the contract. EB reviewed the vendor’s status on SAM.gov and verified the vendors selected for testing were not suspended and debarred at the date of the audit. Additionally, the OCPW, SSA and OCCR departments did not identify the applicable required provisions of the contract to the contractors at the time of the contract award. Questioned Costs: No questioned costs were identified as a result of our procedures. Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of four (4) out of twelve (12) procurement contracts were sampled from OCPW and eight (8) out of nineteen (19) procurement contracts were sampled from OCCR for the COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The entire population of 1 (contract) was tested from SSA for the COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Repeat Finding from Prior Years: Yes, Finding 2022-003 and 2022-009. Recommendation: We recommend that the OCPW, OCCR and SSA departments adhere to their procurement procedures requiring the suspension or debarment verification is performed prior to entering into a covered transaction. Additionally, we recommend the OCPW, SSA and OCCR departments modify and strengthen its current policies and procedures to ensure that all applicable required provisions are communicated to contractors in accordance with 2 CFR Appendix II to Part 200. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees. See separately issued Corrective Action Plan.