Criteria: Per 2 CFR Section 200.214 and Appendix II to Part 200, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred. Entities must verify that a subrecipient is not suspended or debarred at the time of the award, either by checking the SAM.gov exclusion list, collecting a certification or including appropriate contract clauses. Condition and context: During testing of the Alliance’s controls on compliance over subrecipient monitoring and suspension and debarment, we identified the Alliance did not have all the needed documentation around the suspension and debarment check prior to making a subaward. Cause: Controls and processes were not effectively designed to ensure there was all proper documentation around the suspension and debarment check prior to issuing subawards. Effect: The Alliance was not fully in compliance with the subrecipient monitoring and suspension and debarment check requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs: None. Identification as a Repeat Finding: N/A. Recommendation: We recommend that the Alliance review its current processes and controls over subrecipient monitoring and suspension and debarment to ensure all required documentation is retained and available. Views of Responsible Official: Management agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan.
2024-001 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Federal Program Information Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal ALN: 21.027 Criteria Per 2 CFR 200.214, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with parties that are suspended or debarred. 2 CFR 200.318(i) also states that "subrecipients must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price." Condition The Chamber has a procurement policy in place; however, the Chamber neglected to verify if vendors had been suspended or debarred, in accordance with stated regulations. The Chamber also did not maintain sufficient records to document the rationale for the procurement method used for a transaction exceeding the small purchase threshold. Questioned Costs $25,000 Context A sample of 3 vendors was made from a population of 3 vendors whose expenses exceeded the covered transaction threshold that were charged to the major program. Of the 3 sampled vendors, the Chamber neglected to check the suspension or debarment status of 1 vendor prior to entering a covered transaction of $25,000. A sample of 3 vendors was made from a population of 3 vendors whose total transactions exceeded the small purchase threshold. Of the 3 sampled vendors, the Chamber did not maintain sufficient records to document the rationale of using a noncompetitive procurement method for a small purchase transaction. Cause The Chamber claimed that they had been conducting business transactions with this vendor prior to having a procurement policy in place and did not implement the procurement policy on already developed business relationships. The Chamber also did not consider documenting its rationale for continuing to use the vendor for services that exceeded the small purchase threshold that were charged to the major program. Effect Purchases may have occurred that do not follow the policy, and contracts with vendors that had been suspended or debarred could have been awarded and not detected. The Chamber also did not conduct procurement transaction "in a manner that provides full and open competition," as defined in 2 CFR 200.319(a). Repeat Finding Yes - reference 2023-001. Auditor's Recommendations Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce should include a provision in all contracts transacted in conjunction with using funds originating from a federal award grant, with respect to suspension and debarment, communicate all requirements for procurement to staff and establish procedures to verify that vendors are not suspended or debarred. Chamber staff should also perform an independent status check of vendors in sam.gov prior to entering into an agreement and retain the search results. The Chamber should also evaluate its current method of procurement and educate staff that if using funds from a federal award to enter into a transaction exceeding the small purchase threshold, that full and open competition must be facilitated, despite any prior relationships with vendors.
Reportable Finding Considered a Significant Deficiency – Lack of Supporting Documentation for Search for Suspension and Debarment in Procurement Program Name: Innovative Approaches to Literacy; Full-Service Community Schools; and Promise Neighborhood Assistance listing #: 84.215K Program year: 2024 Federal Awarding Agency: Department of Education Compliance requirement: Procurement Criteria: According to 2 CFR §200.214, non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred. The primary method for ensuring compliance with this requirement is to perform a vendor search on SAM.gov. Other methods include having vendors self-certify or including a clause in the vendor contract. Condition: During our testing of procurement, it was noted that the Organization lacked support documenting a search for suspension or debarment of its vendors or use of the other methods for ensuring compliance. Cause: Policies and internal controls over procurement were not fully functioning during the year, due in part to turnover in the positions that were in charge of procurement. Effect: The risk of engaging a vendor who is suspended or barred from receiving federal funding or participating in federal award activities is increased. Questioned costs: There are no questioned costs related to this finding. Repeat finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization update their policies and procedures surrounding procurement to require that one of the methods described above is utilized to ensure that no federal funding is passed to individuals or corporations that are barred from receiving it. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan (unaudited): See corrective action plan.
2024-001: PROCUREMENT, SUSPENSION, AND DEBARMENT Type: Considered a significant deficiency in internal control over compliance/noncompliance Program: ALN 93.788 Opioid STR Criteria: Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.320, when a procurement transaction under a Federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, either formal procurement methods, or documentation of noncompetitive procurement, are required. Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.214 and 2 CFR part 180, prior to entering into a covered transaction, a nonfederal entity must verify that the person with whom they intend to do business is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified. Condition: The CMHSP did not document the noncompetitive procurement process pursuant to 2 CFR 200.320 prior to entering into a contract for services under the grant. Also, the CMHSP did not verify that the vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified in accordance with 2 CFR requirements prior to entering into a contract for services under the grant. Cause/Effect: Management oversight. Questioned Cost: None Context: Due to an immediate, unexpected need for specialized services, the CMHSP entered into a contract with a vendor established with the PIHP, but did not document the noncompetitive procurement process pursuant to 2 CFR 200.320. Also, upon subsequent review, it was determined that the vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified. Recommendation: We recommend that the CMHSP review/update policies and procedures to ensure that formal procurement methods are documented and verification of suspension, debarment, or exclusion is conducted prior to entering into a contract. Management’s Resp: Management is in agreement with this recommendation.
Criteria - According to the Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds (CSLRF) Final Rule, Suspension and Debarment is covered under CFR 200.214 in Subpart C, which is fully applicable under the revenue replacement method. As such, suspension and debarment should be evaluated and documented for all non-payroll expenditures under the program. Condition - During our testing, it was noted that 1 of 5 of the vendor selections tested for this program did not have suspension and debarment evaluated or documented prior to the purchase. In addition, there was no formal control policy for the Town to evaluate and document suspension and debarment for expenditures in this program. Cause - The Town was unaware of this requirement applied to CSLRF funding under the revenue replacement method. Effect - In this case, there is no indication that the vendor in question was actually suspended or debarred. However, by not evaluating suspension and debarment for the expenditures of this program, expenditures could be made that do not comply with the program requirements for suspension and debarment. Recommendation - We recommend that suspension and debarment be evaluated and documented for all expenditures made for this program and that a formal control policy for suspension and debarment be considered for such purchases.
Criteria - According to the Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds (CSLRF) Final Rule, Suspension and Debarment is covered under CFR 200.214 in Subpart C, which is fully applicable under the revenue replacement method. As such, suspension and debarment should be evaluated and documented for all non-payroll expenditures under the program. Condition - During our testing, it was noted that 1 of 5 of the vendor selections tested for this program did not have suspension and debarment evaluated or documented prior to the purchase. In addition, there was no formal control policy for the Town to evaluate and document suspension and debarment for expenditures in this program. Cause - The Town was unaware of this requirement applied to CSLRF funding under the revenue replacement method. Effect - In this case, there is no indication that the vendor in question was actually suspended or debarred. However, by not evaluating suspension and debarment for the expenditures of this program, expenditures could be made that do not comply with the program requirements for suspension and debarment. Recommendation - We recommend that suspension and debarment be evaluated and documented for all expenditures made for this program and that a formal control policy for suspension and debarment be considered for such purchases.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance - Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass through Grantor: Multiple Federal Program(s): COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number(s): 21.027 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.320 Procurement methods paragraph (b), formal procurement methods are required when the value of the procurement transaction under a federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold of the recipient or subrecipient. Additionally, 2 CFR 200.214 outlines the suspension and debarment requirements for non-federal entities receiving federal funds. It mandates that these entities must not engage in "covered transactions" with individuals or organizations that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs. Condition/Context: For one vendor, based on the services to be provided, management was required to issue a public notice solicitation in accordance with the required 2 CFR 200 regulations; however, such a notice was not solicited. Additionally, management did not perform a suspension and debarment check prior to work performed with the vendor. Cause: Due to the infrequency of entering into contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold, management was in the process of formally adopting a procurement policy and did not formalize the steps that would have included the procurement policy of the simplified acquisition threshold and formalize suspension and department checks. Effect: Grant funded contracts could be awarded to vendors that are less cost effective and suspended/debarred, which would be in violation of federal regulations and may result in the early termination of the grant award, non-reimbursement of grant funding, or cessation of future funding. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: Management should implement a formal policy outlining the procurement threshold and the requirement of a Suspension and debarment check in accordance with 2 CFR.200 requirements. Repeat Finding: No. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - 93.432 Center for Independent Living 2024-006 Lack of Documentation for Suspension and Debarment Verification Criteria: Per 2 CFR §180.300 and 2 CFR §200.214, entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred. Entities must verify a vendor's status using SAM.gov and maintain documentation as evidence of compliance with this requirement. Condition: During our audit procedures related to procurement under federal awards, we noted that the League did not maintain documentation showing that vendors and contractors paid with federal funds were checked against the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to verify they were not suspended or debarred. While management stated that vendors are routinely reviewed on SAM.gov prior to engagement, there was no evidence, such as printouts, screenshots, or other records, retained to support that the checks had occurred. Cause: The League did not have a formal process in place to document and retain evidence of suspension and debarment checks. Verification procedures were informal and not consistently recorded. Effect: Without documented evidence of suspension and debarment checks, the League cannot demonstrate compliance with federal procurement requirements. This increases the risk that federal funds could be paid to ineligible vendors, which may result in questioned costs or noncompliance findings. Questioned Costs: None noted. Recommendation: We recommend the League establish and implement a formal policy requiring documentation of all SAM.gov suspension and debarment checks for vendors paid with federal funds. This may include saving screenshots or printouts of the SAM.gov search results, retaining vendor verification logs, or using automated tools if available. Documentation should be maintained in accordance with federal record retention requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: See corrective action plan on page 50.
Finding 2024-004 – PROCUREMENT (repeat finding) Type: Material Weakness in Internal Control/Noncompliance. Program: ALN 93.493 Congressional Directives Grant Name: Access to Behavioral Crisis Services Grantor Number: FG-22-099 Criteria: Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.320, when a procurement transaction under a Federal award exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, formal procurement methods are required. Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.214 and 2 CFR part 180, prior to entering into a covered transaction, a nonfederal entity must verify that the person with whom they intend to do business is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified.” Condition: The CMHSP did not follow the formal procurement methods outlined in 2 CFR 200.320 prior to entering into a contract for services under the grant. Also, the CMHSP did not verify that the vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified in accordance with 2 CFR requirements prior to entering into a contract for services under the grant. Cause: This condition was caused by an insufficient internal control process for procurement including 1) requirement/review and approval of formal bid, and 2) review for suspension and debarment. Effect: The CMHSP purchased several items pursuant to a contract that did not go through a formal bid process or have evidence of review for suspension and debarment. Questioned Cost: $340,014 Context: One contract was paid from grant funds. The questioned cost shown above reflects the amount paid from grant funds for the year pursuant to this contract which did not go through a formal bid process or have evidence of review for suspension and debarment. Upon subsequent review, it was determined that the vendor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified. Recommendation: We recommend that the CMHSP review their internal controls and make necessary changes to ensure that procurements adhere to the requirements of 2 CFR 200. Management’s Resp: We are in agreement with this finding.
Condition: The Organization did not maintain documented procedures, consistent with the standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327 of the Uniform Guidance, for procurement transactions under a federal award or subaward. The Organization also did not comply with 2 CFR 200.318 (h) and 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance including verifying that vendors for covered transactions are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in Federal awards. There were two vendors with covered transactions charged to the major program. The vendors were not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded. However, the Organization did not perform and document the required verification. Criteria: The Uniform Guidance requires the Organization to maintain documented procedures, consistent with the standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327, for procurement transactions under a federal award or subaward. The Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.318 (h) and 200.214 also require the Organization to verify that vendors for covered transactions are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in Federal awards. Cause: The relevant procedures were not documented in a manner required by the Uniform Guidance. There was a weakness in controls involving compliance with procurement, suspension, and debarment requirements. Effect: The Organization was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: The Organization should draft and maintain documented procedures, consistent with the standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327 of the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Organization agrees with the finding. See the Corrective Action Plan.
Finding No.: 2024-012 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture AL Program: 10.557 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $1,433 Criteria: 2 CFR 200.302 states that each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State’s funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Moreover, the recipient’s and subrecipient’s financial management system must provide for maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. Conditions: 1. For 2 (or 50%) of four items, aggregating $4,618 of $223,728 expenditures subjected to procurement and suspension and debarment test, no procurement file was provided to substantiate whether the Department of Administration (DOA) complied with applicable procurement requirements for the following: See the Notes to the SEFA for chart/table. 2. Seven initially tested samples were later determined to be procured in prior years and are not procurements during fiscal year 2024. Consequently, remaining samples tested were insufficient to satisfy the minimum number of items to test. Finding No.: 2024-012, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture AL Program: 10.557 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $1,433 Cause: DOA’s new financial management system implemented during the fiscal year has no capability to generate a report of all expenditures procured during the fiscal year and expenditure information from the old financial management system are not completely evident from the migrated expenditure information in the new financial management system, hence, there was difficulty in establishing population that will be subjected to procurement and suspension and debarment test. As there was no efficient alternative way of identifying whether or not costs charged to the program were procured during the fiscal year, and due to the timing of the audit and lack of staffing resources, DOA was unable to provide the procurement files of selected transactions by the agreed audit timeline. Effect: GovGuam is in noncompliance with applicable procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. The reportable questioned cost is $1,433 based on the items identified in Condition #1 above. Recommendation: DOA management should ensure that financial management system in place permits the preparation of reports of all expenditures procured during the fiscal year. Responsible personnel should ensure that documentation is adequate to comply with the applicable procurement requirements. Specifically, documentation should indicate the history of procurement, including the solicitation process and rationale for contractors or vendor selection. Views of Responsible Officials: GSA will continue to verify vendor eligibility through SAM.gov prior to contract award. Documentation of the verification will be retained in the procurement file for each transaction. GSA has revised IFB templates to include the required debarment and suspension certification language in accordance with 2 CFR 200.214. Effective immediately, all new contracts will include this clause prior to execution. For local vendors that may not appear in federal systems, GSA will require a debarment and suspension certification as part of the contracting process and maintain this documentation within the procurement record.
Finding No.: 2024-027 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury AL Program: 21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Award No.: COVID-19 Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $ Undeterminable Criteria: 2 CFR 200.302 states that each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State’s funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Moreover, the recipient’s and subrecipient’s financial management system must provide for maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. Condition: Report of all expenditures procured during the fiscal year could not be provided. Furthermore, there is no efficient and effective alternative way of identifying whether or not costs charged to the program were procured during the fiscal year. Cause: The Department of Administration’s (DOA) new financial management system implemented during the fiscal year has no capability to generate a report of all expenditures procured during the fiscal year and expenditure information from the old financial management system are not completely evident from the migrated expenditure information in the new financial management system. Furthermore, there was no efficient alternative way of identifying whether or not costs charged to the program were procured during the fiscal year. Effect: We are unable to make selection of transactions necessary to provide us with sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support an opinion on compliance with procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirement. No questioned cost is presented as we are unable to quantify the extent of noncompliance. Finding No.: 2024-027, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury AL Program: 21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Award No.: COVID-19 Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $ Undeterminable Identification as a Repeat Finding: 2023-017 Recommendation: DOA management should ensure that financial management system in place permits the preparation of report of all expenditures procured during the fiscal year. Views of Responsible Officials: GSA will continue to verify vendor eligibility through SAM.gov prior to contract award. Documentation of the verification will be retained in the procurement file for each transaction. GSA has revised IFB templates to include the required debarment and suspension certification language in accordance with 2 CFR 200.214. Effective immediately, all new contracts will include this clause prior to execution. For local vendors that may not appear in federal systems, GSA will require a debarment and suspension certification as part of the contracting process and maintain this documentation within the procurement record.
Finding No.: 2024-039 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Service AL Program: 93.323 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (ELC) Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $980,252 Criteria: 2 CFR 180.300 requires entities entering into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier to verify that the person with whom they intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. Such verification can be made by (a) checking SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) collecting a certification from that person; or (c) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. 2 CFR 180.220 (b) (1) states that a contract for goods and services is a covered transaction if the contract is awarded by a participant in a nonprocurement transaction covered under 2 CFR 180.210, and the contract amount is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. 2 CFR 200.302 states that each State must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the State’s funds. All recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions; and tracking expenditures to establish that funds have been used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Moreover, the recipient’s and subrecipient’s financial management system must provide for maintaining records that sufficiently identify the amount, source, and expenditure of Federal funds for Federal awards. These records must contain information necessary to identify Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, as well as assets, expenditures, income, and interest. Conditions: 1. For thirteen (or 62%) of twenty-one items, aggregating $1,042,567 of $1,799,849 of expenditures subjected to procurement and suspension and debarment test, we noted the following: See the Notes to the SEFA for chart/table. Finding No.: 2024-039, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Service AL Program: 93.323 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (ELC) Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $980,252 Conditions, continued: See the Notes to the SEFA for chart/table. For item #s 1 through 4, the General Services Agency (GSA) represented that it performed verification of suspension or debarment from SAM.gov. However, no formal documentation is kept on file to demonstrate compliance at the time of procurement. For items #s 5 through 13, we noted noncompliance with applicable procurement policies and procedures due to various reasons, such as expired procurement contracts, unclear procurement method followed, and lack of rationale for vendor selection. 2. Three initially tested samples were later determined to be procured in prior years and are not procurements during fiscal year 2024. Consequently, remaining samples tested were insufficient to satisfy the minimum number of items to test. Cause: DOA’s new financial management system implemented during the fiscal year has no capability to generate a report of all expenditures procured during the fiscal year and expenditure information from the old financial management system are not completely evident from the migrated expenditure information in the new financial management system, hence, there was difficulty in establishing population that will be subjected to procurement and suspension and debarment test. As there was no efficient alternative way of identifying whether or not costs charged to the program were procured during the fiscal year, and due to the timing of the audit and lack of staffing resources, DOA was unable to provide the procurement files of selected transactions by the agreed audit timeline. Finding No.: 2024-039, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Service AL Program: 93.323 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (ELC) Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $980,252 Cause, continued: This limitation necessitated repeated replacement of sample selections to meet the minimum sample size required for testing. DOA also does not have a formal policy requiring documentation of procedures performed to verify that the person in a covered transaction with whom they intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. Effect: GovGuam is in noncompliance with applicable procurement and suspension and debarment requirements. The reportable questioned cost is $980,252 based on the items identified in Condition #1 above. Identification as a Repeat Finding: 2023-027 Recommendation: DOA management should ensure that financial management system in place permits the preparation of report of all expenditures procured during the fiscal year. Responsible personnel should ensure that documentation is adequate to comply with the applicable procurement requirements. Specifically, documentation should indicate the history of procurement, including the solicitation process and rationale for contractors or vendor selection. DOA management should establish formal policy requiring retaining documentation of procedures performed to verify that the person in a covered transaction with whom they intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified Views of Responsible Officials: GSA will continue to verify vendor eligibility through SAM.gov prior to contract award. Documentation of the verification will be retained in the procurement file for each transaction. GSA has revised IFB templates to include the required debarment and suspension certification language in accordance with 2 CFR 200.214. Effective immediately, all new contracts will include this clause prior to execution. Finding No.: 2024-039, continued Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Service AL Program: 93.323 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (ELC) Area: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Questioned Costs: $980,252 Views of Responsible Officials, continued: For local vendors that may not appear in federal systems, GSA will require a debarment and suspension certification as part of the contracting process and maintain this documentation within the procurement record.
Procurement, and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Rehabilitation Services – Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States ALN: 84.126 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: H126A220092, H126A230092, H126A240092 October 1, 2021– September 30, 2023, October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2024, and October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) 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 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). Per 2 CFR 200.214, recipients and subrecipients are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, as well as 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict making Federal awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in Federal awards. Per 2 CFR 180.505 – Who uses SAM.gov Exclusions? (a) Federal agency officials use SAM.gov Exclusions to determine whether to enter into a transaction with a person, as required under § 180.430. (b) Participants also may, but are not required to, use SAM.gov Exclusions to determine if: (1) Principals of their transactions are excluded or disqualified, as required under § 180.320; or (2) Persons with whom they are entering into covered transactions at the next lower tier are excluded or disqualified. (c) The SAM.gov Exclusions are available to the general public. Condition: TWC’s Procurement and Contract Management Handbook (Revised April 2024) states that vendor compliance verifications include checking the Comptroller’s vendor performance tracking system, debarment, federal database checks and other verifications. A vendor that fails a verification may not move forward in the evaluation process and receive a contract award. Audit procedures included testing 34 procurements during the fiscal year to test whether vendor compliance verifications were completed prior to entering into a covered transaction. During our testing, we noted the following instances of noncompliance: For one procurement, the vendor compliance verification was completed for the incorrect vendor. A search was completed for the director of the organization rather than the legal entity name. For four of the procurements, a valid date stamp was not available to confirm the verification was completed prior to entering into a covered transaction. Questioned costs: None Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Individuals performing the vendor compliance checks were not adequately trained on the requirements and timeline that must be adhered to per TWC’s Procurement and Contract Management Handbook and federal guidelines. Effect: Failure to complete proper vendor compliance checks prior to entering into a covered transaction may lead to entering into contracts with suspended or disbarred vendors that could result in noncompliance and questioned costs. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that TWC provide additional training to individuals performing vendor compliance checks. We also recommend TWC establish internal controls to monitor that vendor compliance checks are being completed accurately and timely. Views of responsible officials: TWC’s Procurement and Contract Management (PCS) agrees with the recommendations.
Procurement, and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Rehabilitation Services – Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States ALN: 84.126 Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Number and Period: H126A220092, H126A230092, H126A240092 October 1, 2021– September 30, 2023, October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2024, and October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024 Statistically Valid Sample: No, and not intended to be a statistically valid sample Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) 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 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). Per 2 CFR 200.214, recipients and subrecipients are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, as well as 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict making Federal awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in Federal awards. Per 2 CFR 180.505 – Who uses SAM.gov Exclusions? (a) Federal agency officials use SAM.gov Exclusions to determine whether to enter into a transaction with a person, as required under § 180.430. (b) Participants also may, but are not required to, use SAM.gov Exclusions to determine if: (1) Principals of their transactions are excluded or disqualified, as required under § 180.320; or (2) Persons with whom they are entering into covered transactions at the next lower tier are excluded or disqualified. (c) The SAM.gov Exclusions are available to the general public. Condition: TWC’s Procurement and Contract Management Handbook (Revised April 2024) states that vendor compliance verifications include checking the Comptroller’s vendor performance tracking system, debarment, federal database checks and other verifications. A vendor that fails a verification may not move forward in the evaluation process and receive a contract award. Audit procedures included testing 34 procurements during the fiscal year to test whether vendor compliance verifications were completed prior to entering into a covered transaction. During our testing, we noted the following instances of noncompliance: For one procurement, the vendor compliance verification was completed for the incorrect vendor. A search was completed for the director of the organization rather than the legal entity name. For four of the procurements, a valid date stamp was not available to confirm the verification was completed prior to entering into a covered transaction. Questioned costs: None Context: See “Condition.” Cause: Individuals performing the vendor compliance checks were not adequately trained on the requirements and timeline that must be adhered to per TWC’s Procurement and Contract Management Handbook and federal guidelines. Effect: Failure to complete proper vendor compliance checks prior to entering into a covered transaction may lead to entering into contracts with suspended or disbarred vendors that could result in noncompliance and questioned costs. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that TWC provide additional training to individuals performing vendor compliance checks. We also recommend TWC establish internal controls to monitor that vendor compliance checks are being completed accurately and timely. Views of responsible officials: TWC’s Procurement and Contract Management (PCS) agrees with the recommendations.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development #14.251 Economic Development Initiative, Community Project Funding, and Miscellaneous Grants 2024-006 Lack of Documentation for Suspension and Debarment Verification Criteria: Per 2 CFR §180.300 and 2 CFR §200.214, entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred. Entities must verify a vendor's status using SAM.gov and maintain documentation as evidence of compliance with this requirement. Condition: While the Organization has a written procurement policy that references compliance with federal procurement standards, there was no documentation to demonstrate that suspension and debarment verifications were performed for vendors or contractors paid with federal funds during the year. Cause: Although the Organization has a procurement policy in place, the procedures for documenting suspension and debarment verification were not consistently followed or retained. Effect: Without documentation of suspension and debarment checks, there is an increased risk that federal funds could be expended with a vendor or contractor that is ineligible to receive federal awards, resulting in potential noncompliance with federal regulations. Questioned Costs: None noted. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization strengthen implementation of its procurement policy by requiring documentation of suspension and debarment checks be included in all procurement files for federal funded contracts. This may include saving screenshots or printouts of the SAM.gov search results, retaining vendor verification logs, or using automated tools if available. Documentation should be maintained in accordance with federal record retention requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees documentation must be retained. Corrective Action: Management has implemented a formal process to document vendor eligibility verficiation. As of FY 2025, all vendors are revewied in SAM. gov prior to payment or contract execution, and a screenshot or PDF of the verification is saved to the Vendor Verification Log. The Grants & Finance Manager maintains this documentation as part of the procurement file.
Program - AL 21.027 - COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Suspension & Debarment Grant Number & Year - SLFRP1468; 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, 2024) 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, 2024), 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, 2024) 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, 2024) 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 vendors paid with Federal funds are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities. Condition - The County could not provide documentation to support that the County implementedeffective 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 $548,036 during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. 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: Cause - Lack of procedures and knowledge regarding suspension and debarment requirements. Effect - Without adequate procedures to ensure vendors 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 acovered transaction, that a vendor is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded fromor ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities, and those procedures areadequately documented. View of Officials - The County will implement procedures to ensure when a contractor is paid with federal funds, sam.gov will be utilized to verify the entity has not been suspended or debarred and such procedure will be adequately documented.