Finding 2024-012 - Material Weakness - Maintenance of Effort Federal Assistance Listing Number: 84.010 and 84.367 Federal Program Name: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies and Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity Name: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Entity Identification Number: 2024-403619-DPI-TI-A-141, 2024-403619-DPI-TID-144, 2024-403619-DPI-CSI-148 and 2024-403619-DPI-TIIA-365 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.302(a), the non-Federal entity's financial management systems must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions. Condition/Context: The Maintenance of Effort (MOE) calculation is calculated annually by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WI DPI) based on the information submitted in the PI-1505 report. There was a $16,977,949 variance between what was reported in the PI-1505 and the District's accounting records for the revenue source code 751. Due to this variance, we recalculated the MOE based on the District's accounting records. The MOE on a per pupil basis would have still been met. Cause: There was turnover related to those previously responsible for preparing the PI-1505 report. The cross-walk between the accounting records and the PI-1505 submission could not be located. Effect or Potential Effect: The PI-1505 report was not fully supported by the District's accounting records for one of the line items used in the calculation of MOE. Questioned Costs: None noted. Recommendations: We recommend the District establish written policies and procedures related to the preparation and submission of the PI-1505 report. The report should be fully supported by the accounting records and any cross-walk documentation should be maintained by the District. Views of Responsible Official: Management concurs with the finding.
Finding 2024-012 - Material Weakness - Maintenance of Effort Federal Assistance Listing Number: 84.010 and 84.367 Federal Program Name: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies and Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants Federal Agency Name: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity Name: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-Through Entity Identification Number: 2024-403619-DPI-TI-A-141, 2024-403619-DPI-TID-144, 2024-403619-DPI-CSI-148 and 2024-403619-DPI-TIIA-365 Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.303(a), the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. In accordance with 2 CFR 200.302(a), the non-Federal entity's financial management systems must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions. Condition/Context: The Maintenance of Effort (MOE) calculation is calculated annually by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WI DPI) based on the information submitted in the PI-1505 report. There was a $16,977,949 variance between what was reported in the PI-1505 and the District's accounting records for the revenue source code 751. Due to this variance, we recalculated the MOE based on the District's accounting records. The MOE on a per pupil basis would have still been met. Cause: There was turnover related to those previously responsible for preparing the PI-1505 report. The cross-walk between the accounting records and the PI-1505 submission could not be located. Effect or Potential Effect: The PI-1505 report was not fully supported by the District's accounting records for one of the line items used in the calculation of MOE. Questioned Costs: None noted. Recommendations: We recommend the District establish written policies and procedures related to the preparation and submission of the PI-1505 report. The report should be fully supported by the accounting records and any cross-walk documentation should be maintained by the District. Views of Responsible Official: Management concurs with the finding.
Condition and Context Bebashi failed to maintain an accurate trial balance and general ledger to support certain account balances resulting in auditor journal entries at year-end which were material to the current year financial statements and audit delays due to support not reconciling and multiple versions of the trial balance being provided. Criteria Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and Government Auditing Standards require that the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting should allow management or employees in the normal course of performing their assigned functions to prevent, or detect and correct, misstatements on a timely basis. 2 CFR 200.303 states, “The non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statues, 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.” 2 CFR 200.302 states, “The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following… accurate, current, and complete disclosure of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in sections 200.328 and 200.329.” Cause As a result of financial constraints, and corresponding staffing challenges, the accounting and finance team at Bebashi was unable to prepare its accounting records on a timely and thorough basis. At the same time, the accounting and finance team was faced with other administrative and operational matters requiring immediate attention to help ensure Bebashi remained operational. The financial and staffing constraints resulted in lack of timely preparation and detailed review of accounting records and analysis which resulted in material audit adjustments. Effect or Potential Effect The accounting records of certain account balances and transactions provided to the auditors were inaccurate for a period of time during the fiscal year and for the year ended June 30, 2024. In certain instances, the related reconciliations and analysis were not performed on a timely basis. This caused adjustments proposed by the auditors that were material to the financial statements. Recommendation We recommend that management implements a more detailed and adequate review of the accounting records including strong processes and internal controls surrounding financial reporting. This process should identify the required accounting records and reconciliations, ensure the existence of preparer and reviewer requirements for the accounting records and reconciliations, and implement an appropriate time frame for the completion of accounting records and reconciliations. We recommend that management implements processes and procedures to identify the required financial reporting deadlines and controls to ensure compliance with the deadlines. Views of Responsible Officials Management agrees with the finding above. Management will review the existing accounting policies and procedures and implement additional steps and controls to incorporate the recommendations above. Subsequent to year-end, management of Bebashi hired a new Director of Finance. Management will review the operational resources available to further expand the finance team and do so accordingly.
Finding 2024-003 – Internal Controls Over Reporting (Material Weakness) Condition: The City did not report accurate expenditures during the year in its Project and Expenditure Quarterly Reports for the uses of ARPA funding. The reports contained incorrect project amounts and expenditure classifications due to internal control deficiencies, including insufficient review by someone other than the preparer. Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(3) and 2 CFR 200.328, recipients of federal funds are required to maintain accurate financial records and report expenditures in accordance with federal award terms. Specifically, recipients of ARPA funding are required to submit accurate quarterly Project and Expenditure Reports to provide transparency and ensure funds are used in compliance with allowable purposes. Cause: The inaccuracies resulted from a lack of sufficient internal controls over the reporting process. Specifically: No independent review was performed to validate the accuracy and completeness of the quarterly reports. Documentation of the expenditure allocation process was not consistently maintained to support the reported amounts. The timing of the prior year audit limited the City’s ability to implement corrective measures before the FY2025 reports were due. Effect: The lack of accurate reporting undermines compliance with the reporting requirements of the federal award. Although no unallowable costs were identified, the inaccuracies may necessitate correction of reported amounts in the future. Recommendation: We recommend that the City strengthen its internal controls over the reporting process by: 1. Identify and correct previous reporting amounts and balances to ensure the lifetime project is properly reported. 2. Implementing a formal review process where quarterly reports are reviewed and approved by a designated individual other than the preparer. 3. Establishing a documented process for reconciling expenditures reported to the underlying accounting records and federal award guidelines. 4. Providing training to staff responsible for the preparation and review of federal compliance reports to ensure familiarity with reporting requirements. Management’s Response: See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2024-003 - Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance (Qualified Opinion) - Inadequate Tracking of Expenditures and Retention of Documentation: Activities Allowed or Unallowed: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Reporting (A/B/L) for Assistance Listing Number 19.510 and 93.567 Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 200.510(b) states in part, “The auditee must also prepare a schedule of federal expenditures for the period covered by the auditee’s consolidated financial statements which must include the total Federal awards expended as determined in accordance with 200.502.” Also, in accordance with CFR Section 200.302(b) - Financial Management, the auditees financial management system must provide 1) identification of all federal awards received and expended; 2) accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program; 3) records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally‐funded activities; 4) effective control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets; 5) comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award; 6) written procedures to implement the requirements of section 200.305 and; 7) written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with Subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Recipients of federal awards must submit accurate, complete and timely financial and performance reports. The Organization should have internal controls designed to ensure compliance with those provisions. The Organization should retain sufficient documentation such as invoice and allocation support for expenditures to retain documentation for audit purposes. Condition: During detail testing of expenditures, it was noted that the Organization did not maintain adequate documentation to support how certain costs were allocated to the federal program. Several transactions lacked sufficient detail, such as invoice or expense reimbursement form. Several expenditures selected for testing did not obtain sufficient approval by an individual at the Organization. There was one instance of employee compensation being processed at an approved pay rate and the Center could not provide any supporting documentation such as an offer letter, to substantiate the rate paid. It was noted that quarterly reports provided to the federal program were not reviewed by an individual at the Organization prior to submission to ensure accurate report of expenditures. 2 of the 8 monthly reports sampled were not submitted timely to the grantor. Cause: The Organization does not have an adequate system in place to ensure quarterly reports have sufficient supporting documentation, proper approval/review, and accurate reporting prior to submission. Responsibilities for expenditure tracking were not clearly assigned, and there was no formal review process in place. The Organization is not following their Document Retention Policy. Effect: The effect of this condition increases the possibility that quarterly financial reports are misstated or inaccurate and increase the risk of noncompliance with federal requirements. The effect of this condition also increases the risk that expenditures are unallowable per the grant, federal regulations, or cost principles due to the insufficient support of proper approval retained. Questioned costs: None Repeat Finding: Yes - 2023-003 Recommendation: Policies and procedures should be in place to ensure quarterly financial reports are properly supported, accurately reported, and adequately approved and reviewed. A formal review process should be established to ensure compliance. The Organization should follow the Document Retention Policy that was put in place and required by law and submit the required reporting documentation timely to the grantor to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with this finding and their response is included in the Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2024-002 FEDERAL PROGRAMS (ALN – 84.027) SPECIAL EDUCATION – GRANTS TO STATES (IDEA, PART B) – SPECIAL EDUCATION CLUSTER (IDEA) (ALN – 84.173) SPECIAL EDUCATION – PRESCHOOL GRANTS (IDEA PRESCHOOL) – SPECIAL EDUCATION CLUSTER (IDEA) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AWARD NUMBERS H027A220003 – 22A (07/01/2022 – 09/30/2023); H027A230003 – 23A (07/01/2023 – 09/30/2024); H173A220002 (07/01/2022 – 09/30/2023); H173A230002 (07/01/2023 – 09/30/2024) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS ACTIVITIES ALLOWED OR UNALLOWED // ALLOWABLE COSTS/COSTS PRINCIPLES TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA 2 CFR Section 200.302 (a) establishes 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 own funds. In addition, the state and the other non-Federal entity’s 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 general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. In addition, 2 CFR Section 200.403 (b) establishes that except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must be adequately documented in order to be allowable under Federal awards. STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our procedures over internal controls and compliance for the allowable activities’ requirement, we selected a sample of seventy-three (73) disbursements to suppliers made during the fiscal year under audit. We noted the following deficiencies: 1. In thirty-seven (37) disbursement receipts related to evaluation and therapy intervention services, service sheets with the signature or stamp of the institution that provided the services were not found. They were requested on several occasions and were not provided. 2. In nine (9) disbursement vouchers, the Excel master sheet and the adjustment report presented different amounts. No justification was provided for the differences in the reports. 3. In an evaluated disbursement voucher, a student was included who is billed $34,000 per month. In the student's file in MIPE, there is no breakdown of how the institution arrived at that amount in its service quote. The average monthly payments at that institution fluctuate between $9,300 and $20,800 per month. We were not provided with evidence of the educational cost analysis for this participant monthly cost. 4. In nine (9) disbursement vouchers, the payments to the suppliers for therapy services do not match the cost assigned by contract for these services. 5. In nine (9) disbursement voucher, the educational cost of a participant is not consistent with the proposal that the Institution includes in MIPE. 6. In four (4) disbursement vouchers evaluated, we were not provided with evidence of the supplier's proposals, nor was there evidence of receipt by the PRDE personnel demonstrating that the services were received as contracted. 7. In thirty-nine (39) vouchers evaluated, it was found that the invoiced expenses corresponded to both cluster programs (ALNs 84.027 and 84.173), and the invoices established this. However, the expenses in the system were recognized in grant ALN 84.027, not according to the participants attended and invoiced, according to their age. 8. In two (2) vouchers evaluated for training services, it was found that there were participants who were not employees of the IDEA program. 9. In a disbursement voucher, the cost per student could not be validated with the supplier's proposal per student, since it was not located in MIPE. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION This deficiency is a systemic problem that is related to lack of proper training and controls that require standard evaluation, approval, and reporting of expenditures incurred. STATEMENT OF CAUSE According to interviews carried out and documentation evaluated, some goods and services are received in the different Regional Offices (ORE), and each one carries out similar, but not standard, processes when certifying as received or pre-intervening invoices. Regarding the distribution of expenses, according to interviews and evaluated documentation, it was found that at the time of binding a contract, an analysis of the assigned participants is not made, in order to be able to make a distribution between the two programs of the cluster according to the age of the participant. In addition, according to interviews, although the contract budget is validated, they only limit themselves to verifying the amount available in general and there is no distribution of the expense according to the service provider's invoice. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The PRDE is reporting expenses within the cluster that do not necessarily reflect the actual expenses incurred by each program in the cluster, this deficiency requires that when the period of availability of funds is ending, some adjustments be made to reclassify expenses, up to the amount of the award. In addition, the PRDE may have incurred payments for which the service or goods were not provided as contracted. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING This is a repeat finding (Finding Reference Number 2023-003). RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that the PRDE establish standardized written guidelines and train the staff of the Regions to carry out and document the reviews and approvals of services, and ascertain that this information is uploaded in the accounting system of SIFDE. In addition, the personnel must be instructed to account for the budget and expense of therapy and related services, according to the enrollment of students who will attend, in accordance with the program that applies within the cluster. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS The PRDE acknowledges the auditor’s finding. Management clarifies that all requested information was available and existed within the PRDE systems; however, it was not provided in a timely manner due to circumstances beyond the Department’s control, including competing deliverables required from the same operational areas. Regarding the disbursement vouchers referenced by the auditors, including the Excel Master and Adjustment Reports, the program area reviewed the documents and confirmed that they reconciled accurately. The timing differences were due to automatic and manual adjustments. All supporting information was available in PRDE’s databases, including SIFDE and MIPE, and has been included as part of this response for further reference. For the student billed for $34,000, all supporting documentation—such as the proposal, approval of payment, and related evidence—was and remains available in MIPE. As part of PRDE’s internal controls, all necessary documentation must be uploaded into the system before any transaction can proceed. It is also important to note that auditors were granted full access to both MIPE and SIFDE at the beginning of their audit procedures. In relation to Findings 4 and 5, documentation was available in MIPE. Management notes that certain contracts and proposals may have amendments, and it appears the auditors may have reviewed an incorrect version of the file. Similarly, for Finding 6, the area revalidated the information during the preparation of this response and confirmed that the documentation cited as missing was, in fact, available in the MIPE portal. Additionally, management evaluated the matter related to expense recognition. In accordance with federal regulations and to ensure compliance with IDEA requirements, PRDE is authorized to cover certain expenses of the Preschool Grant (84.173) using IDEA Part B (84.027) funds. As detailed in the prior Single Audit report: “IDEA Part B, Section 611 funds can be used for students ages 3 to 21. According to the description provided by OSEP, the Grants to States program assists states in meeting the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities. States must serve all children with disabilities between the ages of 3 through 21, unless inconsistent with State law or court orders. Under 34 CFR § 300.202(a), the LEA must use IDEA Part B funds to pay the excess costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities.” Regarding the vouchers related to training services, PRDE does not concur with that portion of the finding, as the contract does not stipulate that the teachers must be an IDEA employee. This contract was previously evaluated as part of the auditors’ procedures. The PRDE accepts the auditors’ recommendations and will implement corrective actions to improve the timely submission of documentation and strengthen internal coordination among areas involved in responding to audit requests Auditor Comment on Management Response for Finding No. 2024-002 In response of the second paragraph, our Auditors held three (3) meetings with PRDE’s personnel and the amounts were not reconciled. For the third response, no justification exists in MIPE or SIFDE that the amount paid is reasonable and in accordance with the contract. In fact, if all costs disclosed in the contract were applied to that student, the amount is less than the $34,000 paid monthly. For the fourth response related to Conditions 4 and 5, our Auditors requested all information to be available. We held three (3) meetings, and the information did not reconcile and was not available for our evaluation. In addition, we understand and acknowledge that contracts have amendments; however, these amendments relate to increases in the total amount because an original contract is based on a certain quantity, and amendments are made as funds are received. The cost per student established in the contract or proposals remained unchanged in these amendments. The lack of verification between the supplier's cost as stated in the contract and the cost invoiced by the supplier is a significant problem because the supplier is billing for a cost that was not part of the original agreement or proposal. For the fifth through seven responses, the Uniform Guidance requires that financial management system record the expenditures in the program that benefited from the services; no in the program with more budget.. IMPLEMENTATION DATE None RESPONSIBLE PERSON Enid Díaz Executive Director Alayra Figueroa Associate Secretary of Special Education
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2024-003 FEDERAL PROGRAM (ALN – 84.938A) HURRICANE EDUCATION RECOVERY – INMMEDIATE AID TO RESTART SCHOOL OPERATIONS (RESTART) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AWARD NUMBER S938A180002 (04/26/2018 – 09/30/2025) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS ACTIVITIES ALLOWED OR UNALLOWED // ALLOWABLE COSTS/COSTS PRINCIPLES // EQUIPMENT AND REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA 2 CFR §200.302(b)(3)(4) establishes that the recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: 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. All records must be supported by source documentation. Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. 2 CFR §200.403 establishes that costs must meet the following criteria to be allowable under Federal awards: (g) be adequately documented. The Fiscal Process Guide – Program Funds Restart designed by the PRDE establishes that all movable and immovable property with a unit cost of five hundred dollars ($500.00) or more and a useful life of more than two (2) years will be capitalized. Both conditions must exist. These will be classified in the E5000 expense accounts, as appropriate. Also, indicate that capitalizable equipment (E5000) and non-capitalizable equipment (E4414) purchased with program funds will be labeled with the number assigned by the Property Registry System, as established in Section X of the "Procedure for the Control and Accounting of the Property of the Department of Education”. Also as stated in the Section 102(h)(3) of the 2018 Hurricane Relief Act, states that public control of funds and property for services provided to non-public schools must remain with a public agency, which also administers the funds and resources or contracts for services with public or private entities. STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our audit procedures over internal controls and compliance with the allowable activities requirement, we selected a sample of forty (40) disbursements from a population of six hundred eighty-three (683) disbursements to suppliers made during the fiscal year 2023-2024. During our testing, the following deficiencies were noted: 1. For two (2) reimbursement payments issued by the PRDE to private schools, we found that they were made based on a quotation instead of the invoice, which should have been submitted by the private school. 2. We noted three (3) reimbursement payments made by the PRDE to private schools due to equipment purchases performed that did not have the receiving reports issued by the private schools for properly validating that the equipment was incorporated as part of the private school records and its regular operations. Furthermore, the Restart Fiscal Process Guide does not contain a control that mandates the submission of a private school receiving report as part of the reimbursement process for equipment-related expenses. 3. For five (5) reimbursement payments for purchase of equipment were incorrectly recorded in account E6170 (Donations and Contributions to Private Entities) rather than in one of the E5000-series accounts designated for equipment. Also, these equipment’s were not included in the property & equipment register of the PRDE. According to the Restart Fiscal Process Guide, all the equipment purchased or reimbursed to the private schools should be recorded as part of the property list that belongs to the PRDE. In other words, PRDE must maintain ownership over the property bought with the Restart funds. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION During the evaluation of the supporting documents for the voucher, we observed that the invoice and receiving report were not available in SIFDE, considering that it is the accounting system designated for the evaluation of supporting documentation before the approval of any disbursement of funds. Also the codifications of these transactions were not properly reviewed in order to avoid missed codification, considering that the PRDE has the Third-Party Fiduciary Agent that had reviewed them and did not detect the missing codification and the missing documentation for the proper accounting and authorization process. STATEMENT OF CAUSE 1. The PRDE did not perform an effective review procedure over the reimbursement supporting documentation before the authorization of the payment. 2. Before reimbursements are processed, the PRDE has no established internal control or procedure requiring the private schools to submit receiving report for equipment purchases. 3. The PRDE lack of training or oversight on proper accounting practices, which leads to equipment expenses being coded incorrectly in account E6170 rather than the proper E5000 series. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT 1. If the PRDE issue reimbursement payment without the invoice, this could lead the PRDE to incur improper payments. 2. The PRDE lack of obtaining the receiving report for equipment purchases could lead to the reimbursing unallowable costs under the Federal program. Without proper documentation, it becomes difficult to verify whether the equipment purchases were legitimate and necessary for the program. 3. The PRDE incorrect accounting of equipment expenses could result in inaccurate financial reporting and a potential noncompliance issue with Federal regulations that require proper codification of expenses. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING Not previously reported. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that the PRDE review the Restart Fiscal Process Guide in order to include a requirement for private schools to submit receiving reports or equivalent documentation to substantiate equipment purchases prior to reimbursement. Provide training to all relevant personnel on the importance of accurate accounting and documentation, particularly for equipment purchases, and ensure that such expenses are properly coded. Implement a review process to verify that equipment reimbursements are supported by the required receiving report, invoice and that disbursements are coded appropriately in the accounting system (SIFDE). VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS The PRDE does not agree with the recommendation to revise the Restart Fiscal Process Guide to require private schools to submit a receiving report or equivalent documentation to substantiate equipment purchases prior to reimbursement. These transactions correspond to reimbursements, not direct purchases made by PRDE; therefore, verification is performed through proof of payment submitted by the schools. When auditors requested confirmation of receipt, PRDE obtained photographs of the equipment from the schools to provide additional verification that the items were in the school. In addition, the PRDE wants to clarify that where quotations were used instead of invoices, the private schools provided valid proof of payment that matched the quotations submitted. This evidence demonstrated that the purchases were completed and consistent with the approved documentation, meeting the requirements for allowable and verifiable costs under Federal regulations. The PRDE does not agree with the recommendation to change the accounting classification or to implement additional review procedures related to the use of account E6170, “Donations and Contributions to Private Entities.” The use of account E6170 is appropriate given the nature of the transaction, which reflects a reimbursement to a private school rather than a direct purchase by PRDE that would otherwise be recorded under account E5500. The PRDE acknowledges the deficiencies noted during the audit regarding the omission of reimbursed equipment purchases from the PRDE Property and Equipment Register. To address this, the PRDE has prepared a list of reimbursed equipment purchased by private schools under the Restart Program. This list will be provided to the personnel responsible for maintaining the register to ensure the inclusion of these items in the Property and Equipment Register, in compliance with the capitalization and accountability requirements established in the Restart Fiscal Process Guide. The corrective action is scheduled for implementation on or before the end of the current fiscal year. Auditor Comment on Management Response for Finding No. 2024-003 In relation to situation #2 comments, the PRDE didn’t have evidence of the receiving report, which is required for all other purchases of equipment for which the PRDE is the owner. Internal controls over property and equipment should be the same for all equipment for which the PRDE is the owner. In relation to situation #3, all equipment purchased and registered in this account was not included in the inventory of the PRDE, because the general ledger account used is not recognized for purchase of property and equipment, instead is a general ledger account for donations. Further, in accordance with the “Guia de Procesos Fiscales – Fondos Programa Restart”, it is established that all reimbursement of equipment should be recorded in accounts E5000 or E4414. This is because the system recognizes that an addition of equipment was made and must be capitalized. IMPLEMENTATION DATE In process. RESPONSIBLE PERSON María de los A. Lizardi Valdés Office of Federal Affairs Director Edgar Delgado Serrano Office of Federal Affairs Associate Director Hamir M. Mojica Mojica Program Coordinator
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: HIV Prevention Activities: Non-Governmental Organization Based Assistance Listing Number: 93.939 Federal Award Identification Number: NU65PS923746 Award Period: July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Compliance – Reporting Criteria or specific requirement: Per 2 CFR §200.302 and §200.328, recipients of federal awards must provide accurate, current, and complete disclosure of financial results of each federally-sponsored project or program in accordance with the reporting requirements of the federal awarding agency. Condition: It was noted that the expenditures reported on the FFR matched the cash receipts for the period rather than the actual expenditures incurred. Questioned costs: $45,667 Context: During the testing of reporting compliance of the contract during the fiscal year ended 6/30/24, we identified errors in the interim Federal Financial Report (FFR) reporting during the period of 4/1/23-9/30/23 for the actual expenditures in the amount of $45,667. This overstatement in reporting of expenditures at the time of the report submission remained unspent for extended periods, contrary to federal requirements. Cause: The Organization lacked effective internal controls to reconcile actual expenditures incurred within reporting periods. The process relied on estimates and did not include timely reconciliation of actual costs. Effect: This deficiency resulted in noncompliance with federal reporting requirements. It also indicates a reasonable possibility that material noncompliance with federal requirements may not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis. Repeat finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that management implement procedures to ensure that expenditures reported on the Federal Financial Report reflect actual costs incurred during the reporting period and are supported by appropriate documentation. Staff responsible for preparing the Federal Financial Report should be trained in federal reporting requirements to ensure compliance. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. See Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING NO. 2024-005 PROGRAM REPORTS AND ACCOUNTING RECORDS Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program: Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program and Non- Entitlement Grants in Hawaii Federal Award No: B-18-DP-72-0001 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Questioned Costs: None Repeated Finding: Yes Criteria: The subrecipient agreement between the Bank and the Puerto Rico Department of Housing (PRDOH), establishes in the Terms and Conditions Part IV. Performance, Monitoring and Reporting, Section B. Reporting, that the Bank as Subrecipient shall submit regular monthly progress reports to the PRDOH, on the form and with the content to be specified and required by the PRDOH. Moreover, the subrecipient agreement between the Bank and the PRDOH, establishes in the Terms and Conditions Section Part III-Scope of Work, sub-section A. (2), that all services shall be made in accordance with PRDOH guidelines, HUD guidelines and regulations, and other applicable state and federal laws and regulations. The CDBG-DR Financial Policy of the Puerto Rico Department of Housing, (the Financial Policy), in its Part 7 Accounting Records and Systems, Section 7.1.2 Subrecipient Accounting Records, establishes that the Bank as subrecipient is responsible for ensuring that separate accounting are maintained for CDBG-DR funds in its internal accounting system and records. These records should, to the extend possible, be developed to be consistent with PRDOH CDBG-DR general accounting and recordkeeping policies. Also, the Financial Policy in its Part 13 Reconciliations, establishes that the Bank as subrecipient, must have procedures in place to reconcile accounts and reports by comparing revenues and expenditures against disbursements for CDBG- DR funded activities. The subrecipient must: Maintain in its accounting records the amounts budgeted for eligible activities. Compare actual obligations and expenditures to date against planned obligations and expenditures: and Report deviations from budget and program plans and request approval for budget and program plan revisions. The Code of Federal Regulations, 2 C.F.R., Part 200, Subpart D, Section 200.302 (b) (2), establishes that the financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. Condition and Context: Monthly Reporting The Bank uses the Grant Compliance Portal (GCP) to submit Administrative and Performance Reports to the PRDOH. The GCP is a performance reporting system created for PRDOH to monitor regular monthly progress by the subrecipient for administrative and performance activities. The GCP is independent of other systems used for the underwriting, approval, closeout and billing of the grants to PRDOH. As such, requires the manual input of the information monthly. Once the Bank completes the information in the GCP, it is reviewed by PRDOH. Review notes related to the performance of the Bank are added before finalizing the report. The signed report by all the points of contact is kept by the Bank as evidence of compliance with the submission of the Administrative and Performance Reports by the due date. We compared the amount of grants awarded as per the Administrative and Performance Reports submitted to the PRDOH with the amount reported in the Schedule of Expenditures and Federal Awards as of June 30, 2024. We noted a difference of $25,766,191 due to grants awarded from January 2024 through June 2024 were not reflected in the Administrative and Performance Reports. This caused a discrepancy in the cumulative actual total amount of grants awarded for the year that impacts the results in the monitoring of performance by PRDOH. The Bank needs to reconcile the figures with the accounting system to confirm the information for the period is properly reflected in the Administrative and Performance Reports before the submission of the report to ensure the monitoring performed by PRDOH is based on correct and reliable information. Accounting Records and Reconciliations In relation to the CDBG-DR Fund, although disbursements are recorded in a separate fund, the Bank does not present, on a monthly basis, the revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities in the Bank’s general ledger. Instead, the Bank is recording the transactions as revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities related to the CDBG-DR fund at year end. The CDBG-DR fund activity is monitored in another system that is maintained parallel to the Bank’s general ledger. This additional system is used for the reporting process but is not monitored and reconciled jointly with the Bank’s general ledger. Entity level controls related to monthly approvals, reconciliations, actual versus budget comparisons, and other financial reporting controls are performed in another system that does not make automatic interface with the Bank’s general ledger. The trial balance maintained by management for internal and external reporting related to CDBG-DR funds had not been reconciled with the subsidiary records for grant expenditures, including both direct and indirect costs. Cause: The management of the Bank has not implemented effective internal control procedures that permit the proper reconciliation of the amount of grants awarded per accounting records with the amounts disclosed in the Administrative and Performance Reports. Effect: The absence of proper internal controls in the areas of program reports and accounting records causes the Bank to fall in noncompliance with federal reporting requirements and the terms and conditions as established in the subrecipient agreement. This matter may result in material differences or errors that could not be detected and resolved on a timely basis and consequently we consider that the above conditions are material weaknesses in internal control over compliance. Recommendation: The Bank should ensure, specifically to the CDBG-DR Fund, that adequate procedures and internal controls related to monthly review, reconciliation and approval are in place to ensure that proper monthly accounting is maintained and that the awarded grants per accounting records are reconciled and agreed to the balances as disclosed in the Administrative and Performance Reports. Evidence of such reconciliations must be maintained as support for the reconciliation procedures performed.
NONCOMPLIANCE WITH REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS, ASSISTANCE LISTING No. 21.027, DIRECT ALLOCATION, YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024 Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.302 and the CSLFRF Compliance Supplement, recipients are required to accurately report all expenditures on the Annual Project and Expenditure Report. Adequate internal controls must be in place to ensure the completeness and accuracy of federal reporting. Condition: During our audit, we noted that the government did not correctly report expenditures on its Annual Project and Expenditure Report for the CSLFRF program. Reported expenditures did not agree to the underlying accounting records. Cause: The city does not have internal control procedures in place that allow it to comply with reporting standards outlined in the Uniform Guidance and the OMB Compliance Supplement. Further, there was no independent review or approval of the report prior to submission. Effect: Non-compliance with program terms and conditions. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: We recommend that the government establish and implement formal internal controls over the preparation and review of the Annual Project and Expenditure Report. This should include an independent review and approval process to ensure that all reported expenditures are accurate and agree to the underlying accounting records. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective action: The government agrees with this finding and will adhere to the attached corrective action plan.
2024-001 - Cash Management Federal Program Information: EPA - Direct Award: ALN - 66.468 – Drinking Water State Revolving Funds Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR Section 200.302(b)(6) Condition: During audit procedures, it was identified that the client did not have a written cash management policy. Cause: There was a change in personnel responsible for federal grants. Effect: Transactions could occur that did not comply with federal regulations. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The finding was based on requesting the Town’s written financial policies related to federal compliance and therefore was not the result of a statistical sample. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Unit implement internal control processes and procedures to ensure that policies are in compliance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the Town of Bristol, Vermont.
FINDING 2024-201 Multiple errors were identified in the amounts reported on the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) reports required for the Rehabilitation Services-Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States. Type of Finding: Material Weakness, Material Noncompliance Assistance Listing Title: Rehabilitation Services - Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States Assistance Listing Number: 84.126 Federal Award Number: H126A220017, H126A230017, H126A240017 Program Year: October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2023, October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2024, October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration Compliance Requirement: Reporting Questioned Costs: None Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200.303) requires that a nonfederal entity receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal controls that provide reasonable assurance that the nonfederal entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions in the federal award. Section 2 CFR 200.400 contains the policy guide for cost principles related to federal grant administration. Paragraph (a) states that the nonfederal entity is responsible for the efficient and effective administration of the federal award through the application of sound management practices. Paragraph (d) states that the accounting practices of the nonfederal entity must be consistent with these cost principles and support the accumulation of costs as required by the principles and must provide for adequate documentation to support costs charged to the federal award. Section CFR 200.302 – Financial Management states that federal award recipient’s financial management system must identify all federal awards received and expended and the federal programs under which they were received. Additionally, they must maintain 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. All records must be supported by source documentation. Condition: The RSA requires the Commission to submit financial reports quarterly. The reports are cumulative and cover the entire grant period through to the end of the reporting period. The RSA also requires a final report at the end of the grant period. The Vocational Rehabilitation Basic Services (BS) Grants are issued for an initial 12-month period. If State match requirements are met within the initial period, recipients qualify for an additional 12-month carryover period to spend any unobligated federal funds. Including the carryover period, the federal fiscal year 2024 grant period is October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2025. The Commission identifies the grant periods using the initials BS and the last two digits of the grant year. During State fiscal year 2024, there were three grants open: BS22, BS23, and BS24. We tested four quarterly reports that reported on the periods within State fiscal year 2024. We identified errors in 3 of the 4 quarterly reports. We also identified errors in the final report for the federal fiscal year 2022 grant which ended on September 30, 2023. The following errors were identified: BS23 – Report Period July 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023 • Line 21 Total Federal Program Income Received: The reported amount was $47,300, and the supporting documentation showed $43,700, resulting in a $3,600 overstatement. This error carried forward to all subsequent quarterly reports because the amounts reported were cumulative. • Line 38A Required Pre-ETS Services Provided: The amount reported was $47,755. The Commission could not provide any documentation to support that amount or provide an explanation for how the amount was calculated. This error carried forward to all subsequent quarterly reports because the amounts reported were cumulative. • Line 38B Authorized Pre-ETS Services Provided: The amount reported was $73,708. The Commission could not provide any documentation to support that amount or provide an explanation for how the amount was calculated. This error carried forward to all subsequent quarterly reports because the amounts reported were cumulative. • Line 39G Transition Services to Youth and Students: The amount reported was $211,595; however, the supporting schedule showed $199,194 resulting in a $12,401 overstatement. The Commission included expenditures outside of the reporting period. • Line 41 Total Innovation and Expansion Expenditures: The amount reported was $20,943. The Commission could not provide any documentation to support that amount or provide an explanation for how the amount was calculated. BS23 – Report Period October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023 • Line 39G Transition Services to Youth and Students: The amount reported was $211,594; however, the supporting schedule showed $227,249 resulting in a $15,655 understatement. The Commission included expenditures outside of the reporting period. • Line 41 Total Innovation and Expansion Expenditures: The amount reported was $20,943; however, the supporting schedule showed $10,472 resulting in a $10,471 overstatement. BS23 – Report Period January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2024 • Line 39E Business Enterprise Program (Randolph-Sheppard Program): The reported amount was $383,399; however, the supporting schedule showed $383,399 resulting in a $46,380 overstatement. • Line 39G Transition Services to Youth and Students: The amount reported was $254,977, however, the supporting schedule showed $249,977 resulting in a $4,303 overstatement. The Commission included expenditures outside of the reporting period. BS22 – Report Period October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2023 (Final report for federal fiscal year 2022 grant) • Line 21 Total Federal Program Income Received: The reported amount was $0; however, the supporting schedules showed $43,700 resulting in a $43,700 understatement. • Line 37 Administrative Expenditures: The reported amount was $853,677; however, the supporting schedules showed $1,399,438 resulting in a $545,761 understatement. • Line 38A Required Pre-ETS Services Provided: The reported amount was $302,972; however, the supporting schedules showed $287,258 resulting in a $15,714 overstatement. • Line 38B Authorized Pre-ETS Services Provided: The reported amount was $44,151; however, the supporting schedules showed $75,110 resulting in a $30,959 understatement. • Line 39E Business Enterprise Program (Randolph-Sheppard Program): The reported amount was $372,887; however, the supporting schedule showed $438,558 resulting in a $65,671 understatement. • Line 39G Transition Services to Youth and Students: The amount reported was $91,966; however, the supporting schedule showed $76,407 resulting in a $15,559 overstatement. • Line 41 Total Innovation and Expansion Expenditures: The amount reported was $104,647; however, the supporting schedule showed $83,903 resulting in a $20,744 overstatement. We also noted an error while testing compliance with the Matching and Level of Effort requirements using amounts reported on the final RSA-17 report for the federal fiscal year 2022 grant. The Commission reported $835,255 as total State expenditures; however, the amount recorded in STARS was $566,698, resulting in a $268,557 overstatement. Cause: The Commission has designed a procedure to detect errors in reporting prior to issuance. The reports are compiled by one individual and reviewed by a second individual prior to issuing them to the federal agency. However, the review did not detect the errors indicating that the staff completing these reviews did not have adequate knowledge to ensure this internal control was effective. Our testing found that two of the three quarterly reports with errors were not reviewed prior to submission. The Commission could not provide an explanation for the errors. Effect: The RSA uses the RSA-17 reports to determine compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Incorrect reporting can affect both the ability to cover current obligations and the amount of future federal grant awards received by the State of Idaho. The total errors in the quarterly reports were overstatements of $219,561 and understatements of $15,655. The total errors in the final report for the federal fiscal year 2022 grant were overstatements of $271,578 and understatements of $701,746. The aggregated errors are a $229,262 understatement of costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the Commission design and implement procedures to ensure accurate federal grant reporting and retain appropriate documentation to support the amounts reported. We also recommend that the Commission review prior submissions, identify correct reporting, and communicate with the federal grantor about resubmitting corrected reports. Providing appropriate training and staff recruitment is critical to ensuring the internal controls are effective in preventing or detecting errors. Management’s View: Agree - These errors in quarterly and final RSA-17 reports are acknowledged, and immediate measures are being taken to address root causes Corrective Action • Accurate Financial Reporting: ICBVI will develop detailed procedures to ensure all amounts reported on federal forms are reconciled to supporting documentation in the accounting system (Luma) prior to submission. • Review and Oversight: A two-person review process will be formalized, ensuring every report is checked for accuracy by a knowledgeable reviewer before submission. • Documentation and Training: Supporting documentation for all line items will be archived securely. Staff will receive training in federal grant reporting standards. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: We thank the Commission for its cooperation and assistance throughout the audit.
FINDING 2024-230 The Department did not provide documented support to verify the accuracy of a Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) performance report. Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency, Noncompliance AL Title: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance AL Number: 93.568 Federal Award Number: 2101IDLIE4, 2201IDLIE4, 2301IDLIEE, 2401IDLIEA, 2401IDLIEI Program Year: October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2022, October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2023, October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2024, October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2025 Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Requirement: Reporting Questioned Costs: None Criteria: The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) included in 2 CFR 200.303 requires that nonfederal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal control over the federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards. The Internal Control Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) identifies control activities that help ensure management directives are carried out and risks are mitigated. These activities include approvals, authorizations, verifications, reconciliations, and segregation of duties. The Uniform Guidance included in 2 CFR 200.302(b)(3) states that the recipient's financial management system must maintain 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. All records must be supported by source documentation. Condition: During fiscal year 2024, the Department was required to submit one LIHEAP performance report to the Federal Government. The Department’s LIHEAP program manager compiled and submitted the report to the Office of Community Services. The Department was unable to provide the supporting documentation to confirm the accuracy of the information included in the report. Cause: The Department did not design and implement an internal control to ensure that sufficient documentation was maintained to support the accuracy of the required report. Effect: Without documented support for the LIHEAP performance report, there is an increased risk of errors occurring and going undetected. Recommendation: We recommend that the Department maintain sufficient documentation to support information in LIHEAP performance reports. Management’s View: The Department Agrees with this Finding. Corrective Action: A process was developed that includes obtaining and documenting approval by the Bureau Chief. This process was shared with LSO following receipt of the FY23 review findings. Supporting documents can be provided again as needed. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: We thank the Department for its cooperation and assistance throughout the audit. The corrective action referenced above was not completed, by the Department’s own admission, until March 25, 2025, which would have been significantly after the fiscal year 2023 issuance of the Single Audit Report, and also would have left fiscal year 2024 and most of fiscal year 2025 without proper internal controls in place. Without an appropriate control in place the Department continued to risk errors in the report going undetected and uncorrected until March of 2025 which could lead to noncompliance.
FINDING 2024-237 The Division could not provide supporting documentation for amounts included on the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) reports required under the Rehabilitation Services-Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States. Type of Finding: Material Weakness, Material Noncompliance Assistance Listing Title: Rehabilitation Services – Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States Assistance Listing Number: 84.126 Federal Award Number: H126A240016, H126A220016, H126A210016 Program Year: October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2022; October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2023; October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration Compliance Requirement: Reporting Questioned Costs: $1,445,110 Known Criteria: The Internal Control Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) identifies control activities that help ensure management directives are carried out throughout the operation. Verifications, approvals, and authorizations are all control activities that support this objective. The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 2 CFR 200.303, states that the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Section CFR 200.302 – Financial Management states that federal award recipient’s financial management system must identify all federal awards received and expended and the federal programs under which they were received. Additionally, they must maintain 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. All records must be supported by source documentation. Condition: The RSA requires the Division to submit financial reports (RSA-17) every 6 months. The reports are cumulative and cover the entire grant period through to the end of the reporting period. Reporting periods end on March 31 and September 30. If the reporting period is the final report for the grant, the report is due 120 days after the close of the period. All other reports are due 30 days after the close of the period. Grants are issued for an initial 12-month period. If State match requirements are met within the initial period, recipients qualify for an additional 12-month carryover period to spend any unobligated federal funds. Including the carryover period, the federal fiscal year 2024 grant period is October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2025. In State fiscal year 2024, there were 3 grants open – federal fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024. The Division was required to submit 4 reports for these grants. We compared the federal expenditure amounts reported for the grant in total and for the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to the amounts in Luma and found errors in all 4 as follows: Total Expenditures Grant Year Report Period End RSA-17 Amount Luma Amount Difference Federal Fiscal Year 2022 9/30/23 $14,601,067 $13,941,207 $659,860 Federal Fiscal Year 2023 9/30/23 $7,633,338 $7,465,827 $167,511 Federal Fiscal Year 2023 3/31/24 $16,823,595 $16,661,795 $161,800 Federal Fiscal Year 2024 3/31/24 $2,007,420 $2,077,874 $(70,454) TOTAL $918,717 Pre-ETS Grant Year Report Period End RSA-17 Amount Luma Amount Difference Federal Fiscal Year 2022 9/30/23 $2,579,855 $2,991,527 $(411,672) Federal Fiscal Year 2023 9/30/23 $3,083,866 $2,869,311 $214,555 Federal Fiscal Year 2023 3/31/24 $5,596,382 $5,005,941 $590,441 Federal Fiscal Year 2024 3/31/24 $211,681 $78,612 $133,069 TOTAL $526,393 Cause: Reports were prepared by former employees, and the current personnel could not determine why the reported amounts did not match Luma. Further, supporting documentation was not retained by the Division, which might have provided insight into the differences. Effect: The RSA uses the RSA-17 reports to determine compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Incorrect reporting can affect both the ability to cover current obligations and the amount of future federal grant awards received by the State of Idaho. We are questioning the amount that Division cannot support for reported total expenditures and pre-ETS expenditures of $918,717 and $526,393, respectively. Recommendation: We recommend that the Division design and implement procedures to ensure accurate federal grant reporting and retain appropriate documentation to support the amounts reported. We also recommend that the Division review prior submissions, identify correct reporting, and communicate with the federal grantor about resubmitting corrected reports. Management’s View: The issues uncovered during the single audit are in alignment with challenges and weaknesses uncovered over the last 17 months. As such, we are in agreement with the seven identified findings specified in the Management letter. The Division will ensure the accuracy, reliability, and sufficient supporting documentation of financial data pulled from the state accounting system of record (LUMA) that is reported on all RSA-17 reports by implementing effective internal controls, verification procedures, and record retention practices in compliance with 2 CFR 200.302 and 2 CFR 200.303. Corrective Action: 1.1 Establish Accurate Reporting Procedures: Develop and implement procedures for preparing, reviewing, and approving all RSA financial reports, including step-by-step reconciliation. 1.2 Ensure Documentation and Audit Trail: Maintain comprehensive supporting documentation for all amounts reported, including detailed reconciliations, adjustments, and source data, in accordance with requirements for traceable and verifiable records. 1.3 Strengthen Internal Controls and Oversight: Implement Strategic Leadership review of all reports prior to submission to the Rehabilitation Services Administration to confirm data accuracy and compliance with reporting requirements. 1.4 Complete a Restatement of RSA-17 Reports: Review previously submitted RSA-17 reports for fiscal years 2022–2024, determine accurate expenditure amounts, and coordinate with RSA to correct and resubmit revised reports, if necessary. Auditor’s Concluding Remarks: We thank the Division for its cooperation and assistance throughout the audit. While the Division’s corrective action plans indicate that portions are complete, because they have occurred outside of the period under audit, we have not reviewed those actions to see that they are effective at addressing the issues identified.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Pass-Through Agency: Central Office of Recovery, Reconstruction and Resiliency of Puerto Rico (COR3) Program: Disaster Grants – Public Assistance (Presidentially-Declared Disaster) (ALN 97.036) Compliance Requirement: Reporting (L) Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control (SD), Instance of Noncompliance (NC) This finding is similar to prior year finding 2023-009. Statement of Condition In our Reporting Test, we evaluated the Quarterly Progress Reports of a total of nine (9) projects for two quarters of fiscal year 2023-2024. During our audit procedures, we noted that the reports did not agree with the accounting and project records. Criteria 2 CFR 200.302 (a) states that the states’ and other non-Federal entities’ 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 general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Also, 2 CFR 200.302 (b) (2) states that the financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. Cause of Condition The Municipality’s accounting controls and procedures fail to ensure accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of federal assisted activities. Effect of Condition The expenses reported in the Quarterly Progress Reports do not agree with the accounting records. Recommendation We recommend the Program Administrators reconcile the differences between the quarterly report and the accounting records before the submission to the pass-through entity. Questioned Costs None Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action We will give instructions to the accounting staff in charge of the preparation of the quarterly progress reports of the Program, in order to comply with the FEMA reporting requirements. Responsible Official: Mrs. Irma M. Vargas Aguirre, Finance and Budget Director Implementation Date: December 31, 2025
FEDERAL AWARD FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Compliance and Internal Control over Compliance Findings Lack of Supporting Documentation for Non-Payroll Disbursements - Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles (Significant Deficiency) AL Number and Title: 84.362A - Native Hawaiian Education Program Award Number: S362A200024-22 Award Period: October 1, 2022 - September 30, 2024 Federal Agency: Department of Education Criteria: Under 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(3) and 2 CFR § 200.403(g), non-Federal entities are required to maintain documentation to support costs charged to federal awards. Costs must be necessary, reasonable, allocable, and adequately documented to be allowable under a federal program. Internal controls should ensure proper retention of records for audit and compliance purposes. Condition: During our testing of compliance and internal controls over compliance for Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, we selected a haphazard sample of 40 non-payroll disbursements and judgmentally selected 1 individually significant item for detailed testing. For one transaction totaling $145.85, the auditee was unable to provide any supporting documentation, such as invoices or receipts, to substantiate the expenditure. For a separate transaction totaling $57.03, the auditee was unable to provide evidence of proper approval prior to payment. Cause: The lack of documentation appears to result from weaknesses in the Organization’s record-keeping practices and non-compliance with established documentation retention policies. The Organization’s internal controls did not ensure that all supporting documentation for federal expenditures was consistently maintained. Effect: Without adequate supporting documentation, we were unable to determine whether these costs were allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with federal grant requirements. We were also unable to determine whether management reviewed and approved these costs. This noncompliance increases the risk that unallowable or unauthorized costs could be charged to the federal program without detection. Repeat Finding? Yes - Finding 2023-001. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization: 1. Enhance internal controls to ensure that all federal expenditures are properly supported and retained for compliance purposes; 2. Implement a centralized documentation retention system to track and store invoices, receipts, and other supporting records; 3. Provide staff training on documentation requirements for federal grant expenditures to ensure compliance with 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(3) and 2 CFR § 200.403(g); and 4. Conduct periodic internal reviews of disbursement records to verify that required documentation is maintained and readily available for audit purposes. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Mana Maoli agrees with the finding and the recommendation. See Part V, Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2024-002 – Delta Regional Authority ( material weakness): Criteria – Federal regulations governing effective control and accountability for all funds, property, and other assets, and must adequately track and report grant-specific financial data. (2 CFR 200.302b) Condition —Non-compliance was noted as described in the context below. Questioned Costs — N/A Context - We noted deficiencies in the School’s financial management system related to the recording, reconciliation, recordkeeping, reporting, and extraction of grant-related data: • Expenditures charged to the Federal grants and funds received were not consistently or clearly recorded in the general ledger using grant-specific identifiers or cost centers. • Monthly reconciliations between the general ledger and grant reports were either not performed or documented. • The organization lacked a consistent process for extracting accurate and complete financial data specific to the grant for monitoring and reporting purposes. Cause – The deficiencies appear to be due to the absence of standardized internal control procedures specific to federal grant tracking and reporting, as well as limited training for staff responsible for federal grant compliance. Effect – Failure to maintain proper financial records and reporting processes may result in noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, misstatement of grant-related financial activity, and potential questioned costs. It also limits the organization’s ability to provide accurate and timely financial data to funding agencies and internal stakeholders. Auditor’s Recommendation – We recommend the organization implement the following corrective actions: 1. Establish and consistently apply a grant-specific coding structure in the general ledger to clearly identify grant transactions. 2. Perform and document monthly reconciliations between the general ledger and grant financial reports. 3. Develop a standardized grant file structure for retaining supporting documentation. 4. Train staff involved in grant management on Uniform Guidance financial management requirements. 5. Implement a data extraction and reporting process that ensures accuracy and completeness for federal grant reporting. 6. Consider adding a grants accountant to oversee grant accounting and compliance. This will help reduce the burden over this area for the current staff. In addition to adding a grants accountant, a consultant may also be used to assist in developing proper procedures and controls to implement and follow moving forward.
2024-009 Program: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Financial Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of Treasury Award No. and Year: 2021 Program: COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds passed-through the State Water Resources Control Board Federal Financial Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of Treasury Award No. and Year: A00059, 2024 Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control and Instance of Non-Compliance Criteria: Title 2 CFR Section 200.302(b)(7) of the Uniform Guidance requires all non-Federal entities establish written procedures to implement the requirements for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with Subpart E – Cost Principles or the conditions of the Federal award. Condition: The City has not established written procedures for determining allowability of costs in accordance with Subpart E – Cost Principles or the conditions of the Federal award. Cause: The City’s procedures did not ensure the required written procedures were developed and implemented in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Effect: The City has not compiled with Title 2 CFR Section 200.302(b)(7) regarding establishing written procedures for determining the allowability of costs. Questioned Costs: No questioned costs were identified as a result of our procedures. Context/Sampling: The condition above was identified during our procedures related to allowable costs and no sampling was used. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: Yes, prior year finding 2023-007 Recommendation: We recommend the City establish policies and formalize written procedures related to allowable costs in accordance with Subpart E – Cost Principles. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See separate corrective action plan.
FA 2024-003 Strengthen Controls over Financial Reporting Compliance Requirement: Reporting Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Number and Title: 84.010 – Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Federal Award Numbers: S010A220010 (Year: 2023), S010A230010 (Year: 2024) Questioned Costs: None Identified Repeat of Prior Year Findings: FA 2023-004, FA 2022-004, FA 2021-002, FA 2019-002 Description: The School District did not file accurate completion reports for the Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies program. Background: The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) requires the School District to submit a completion report by October 30 after the 15-month period of performance associated with the Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies (Title I) program ends. These completion reports are filed through the Grants Application section of the MyGaDOE web portal and reflect budgeted and actual expenditure information for the Title I program for the reporting period. If the total expenditures reflected on the completion report are more than the Title I program funds received by the School District for the grant period, a DE-0147 – Request for Reimbursement of Monthly Cash Disbursements will be automatically generated and the additional funds due to the School District will be disbursed appropriately. Conversely, if the total funds received for the grant period exceed the total expenditures reflected on the completion report, the Grants Application will prompt the School District to enter a check number for the required refund of excess funds drawn down. Therefore, it is imperative that completion reports are filed by the School District in an accurate and timely manner. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 – Internal Controls. Provisions included in the Uniform Guidance Section 200.302(a) state in part that “the non-Federal entity’s financial management systems must… be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions.” In addition, Provisions included in the Uniform Guidance Section 200.302(b)(2) state in part that the non-Federal entity’s financial management system must provide for “accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements.” Further, as noted in the Uniform Guidance Section 200.511, management is responsible for implementing reported corrective action to findings from previous audits. Condition: A review of the School District’s accounting records and the completion reports related to the Title I-A, Improving Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged and Title I-A, School Improvement programs for the period ending September 30, 2024, revealed that the expenditures were under reported by $68,505.49. Cause: In discussing this deficiency with the School District, they stated this issue was due to not correctly identifying salary accruals during the completion report process. Effect: The School District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to accurately report federal award expenditures through the completion report process could lead to the filing of DE-0147 reimbursement requests with GaDOE that do not support actual expenditures or the School District not receiving reimbursement for expenditures incurred. In the fiscal year under review, the School District obtained less federal funding than they were eligible to receive. Recommendation: The School District should establish internal control procedures to ensure that completion reports submitted to GaDOE are supported by the accounting records and DE-0147 reimbursement requests are prepared based upon actual expenditures incurred. In addition, management should develop and implement a monitoring process to ensure that control procedures are followed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FINDING 2024-014 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A210014, S010A220014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-014. Condition and Context The system of internal controls over the applicable reports, as established by the School Corporation, was not properly implemented nor was it operating effectively to ensure that sufficient audit evidence was maintained to support the requests for reimbursement, as well as the Final Expenditure Reports submitted by the School Corporation. The Title I Director approved the requests for reimbursement and the Final Expenditure Reports prior to submission; however, this review was not effective. The fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Final Expenditure Reports and the six reimbursement requests were selected for testing. The School Corporation was unable to provide for audit documentation to support the underlying data accumulated and summarized in each of the Financial Expenditure Reports or the six reimbursement requests. The reported data could not be traced to records that accumulate or summarize the data; therefore, the accuracy and completeness of the reports could not be verified. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 47 NORTH LAWRENCE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federallyfunded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Cause Due to turnover of staffing in the School Corporation's administrative office, the School Corporation's management had not designed nor implemented a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance or that supporting documentation would have been maintained and available for audit related to the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect Without a proper system of internal controls in place that operated effectively, the School Corporation did not retain and provide appropriate supporting documentation. This prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the Reporting compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish an effective system of internal controls to ensure documentation will be maintained and made available for audit as related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Significant Deficiencies 2024-003 - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles: Written Financial Policies Federal Program Information: Department of Transportation - ALN: - 20.500, 20.507, 20.525 & 20.526 - Federal Transit Cluster Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR Section 200.302(b), Condition: The Committee has not formally adopted certain required written financial management policies as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations. Cause: The Committee was not aware of this requirement. Effect: Transactions could occur that did not comply with federal regulations. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The finding was based on requesting the Committee’s written financial policies related to federal compliance and therefore was not the result of a statistical sample. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding of 2023-003. Recommendation: The auditor recommends that the Committee obtain an understanding of the required written policies in the Code of Federal Regulations as applicable to its federal programs, create and formally adopt those required policies. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: See attached Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2024-003 – Lack of Internal Controls over Expenditure Documentation (Material Weakness) Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Federal Program Name: Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants Assistance Listing Numbers: 66.460 Pass-Through Entity: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Program Name: Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 11.438, 15.015, 15.244 Pass-Through Entity: State of Oregon – Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Assistance Listing Numbers: 10.665 Pass-Through Entity: U.S. Forest Service Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Natural Resources Conservation ServiceName of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior Federal Program Name: Wildlife, Sport Fish and Restoration Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 15.244 Pass-Through Entity: Bureau of Land Management Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior Federal Program Name: Secure Rural Schools and community Self-Determination – Watershed and water-quality improvements Assistance Listing Numbers: 15.234 Pass-Through Entity: Bureau of Land Management Criteria: Title 2 CFR §200.303 requires nonfederal entities to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, 2 CFR §200.302(b)(3) requires entities to maintain records that adequately identify the source and application of funds, including supporting documentation for expenditures, and 2 CFR §200.430 requires documentation for compensation for personal services. Condition: During our review of expenditures charged to the federal programs, the entity was unable to provide invoice copies or other sufficient supporting documentation for certain expenditures tested. As a result, we could not verify the allowability, accuracy, and proper approval of these costs in accordance with federal requirements. In addition, records were unavailable for Personnel expenditures that were charged to grant awards, and no support or evidence of time per grant was available. Cause: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers does not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that invoice documentation and other supporting records are retained, centrally filed, and readily available for audit and monitoring purposes. In addition, management did not perform ongoing monitoring to verify that required documentation was maintained prior to reimbursement or reporting. Effect or Potential Effect: because supporting documentation was not available, expenditures from detail documentation could not be substantiated. This increases the risk that the unallowable, unsupported, or inaccurate costs may be charged to the federal program and reported in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA). Questioned Cost: Yes, $332,409 related to Personnel costs, equipment and other purchases that were not documented with detailed support. Context: During our audit, it was found that the Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers experienced complete staff turnover in Financial Management for the year being audited. No current finance employees had worked for the organization during the year being audited. No financial files for Accounts Payable, invoices, or reporting were available to the current financial staff. Not adequately retaining supporting documents and invoices to support the expenditures of the general ledger and requests for reimbursement for grants, the organization records may be insufficient for testing and review, for internal controls or meeting federal documentation and reporting requirements. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: No, Prior- year did not require a Single Audit.Recommendation: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers should implement policies and procedures requiring invoice copies and supporting documentation to be maintained for all grant expenditures. Management should strengthen record retention practices, provide training to staff on documentation requirements, and implement periodic internal reviews to ensure compliance. District Response: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers acknowledges the deficiencies. Corrective Action Plan: _____________ (To be completed by Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers) Planned Implementation Date: _________ Responsible Person: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers Finance Manager
Finding 2024-004 – Insufficient Skills, Knowledge and Training, and Leadership (Material Weakness) Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Federal Program Name: Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants Assistance Listing Numbers: 66.460 Pass-Through Entity: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Program Name: Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 11.438, 15.015, 15.244 Pass-Through Entity: State of Oregon – Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Assistance Listing Numbers: 10.665 Pass-Through Entity: U.S. Forest Service Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistance Listing Numbers: 10.905 Pass-Through Entity: U.S. Forest Service Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior Federal Program Name: Wildlife, Sport Fish and Restoration Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 15.244 Pass-Through Entity: Bureau of Land Management Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior Federal Program Name: Secure Rural Schools and community Self-Determination – Watershed and water-quality improvements Assistance Listing Numbers: 15.234 Pass-Through Entity: Bureau of Land ManagementCriteria: Under Uniform Guidance 2 CFR §200.303, non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the award terms and conditions. This includes ensuring that: Personnel administering federal awards possess adequate skills, knowledge, and experience. Management and leadership provide appropriate oversight of federal award activities. Financial management systems adequately support accurate reporting, documentation, retention, and reconciliation of federal expenditures in accordance with 2 CFR §200.302. Condition: During the audit of federal awards, the entity did not demonstrate sufficient skills, knowledge, or experience of the staff and leadership responsible for administering and overseeing federal programs. Specifically: Adequate supporting documentation for federal award expenditures was not maintained or provided. Leadership oversight of federal award compliance activities was limited, and management review of grant activity were not evidenced. These conditions resulted in weaknesses in financial reporting, compliance monitoring, and documentation related to federal awards. Cause: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers has not ensured that staffing levels, qualifications, and experience are sufficient to support federal award administration and compliance. In addition, leadership lacks adequate knowledge of federal award requirements to provide effective governance, oversight, and monitoring of compliance activities. Formal training and documented procedures for federal awards management have not been prioritized. Effect or Potential Effect: As a result of these deficiencies: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers is at increased risk of non-compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Federal expenditures may be unsupported, inaccurately reported, or unallowable. Errors or compliance violations may not be detected or corrected in a timely manner. The entity may be subject to questioned costs, repayment of federal funds, or additional scrutiny from grantor agencies. Questioned Cost: None identified Context: During our audit, it was found that the Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers experienced complete staff turnover in Financial Management for the year being audited. No current finance employees had worked for the organization during the year being audited. No financial files for Accounts Payable, invoices, or reporting were available to the current financial staff. Not adequately retaining supporting documents and invoices to support the expenditures of the general ledger and requests for reimbursement for grants, the organization records may be insufficient for testing and review, for internal controls or meeting federal documentation and reporting requirements. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: No, Prior- year did not require a Single Audit. Recommendation: We recommend that Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers: Ensure staff responsible for federal awards receive appropriate training on Uniform Guidance requirements, grant financial management, documentation, and compliance monitoring. Assign federal award oversight to personnel with sufficient experience and qualification or obtain external grant management and accounting support as needed. Establish written policies and procedures for federal award administration, including expenditure documentation, reconciliation, compliance review, and management approvals. Require leadership to perform and document periodic oversight and monitoring of federal awards, including review of reconciliations reimbursement requests, and compliance metrics. Implement ongoing monitoring and internal control assessments to ensure compliance with federal award requirements. District Response: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers acknowledges the deficiencies. Corrective Action Plan: _____________ (To be completed by Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers) Planned Implementation Date: ___________ Responsible Person: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers Finance Manager
Criteria or Specific Requirement: Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(3) a grant recipient must maintain adequate financial records that identify the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. Condition: Federally funded expenditures were comingled with expenditures paid for with non federally funded sources in the accounting records. Questioned costs: None. Context: Non federally funded expenditures were recorded in the accounts specifically designated for a federal grant. Effect: The District may be unable to accurately determine the federally funded expenditures for a specific period. Cause: The District did not accurately maintain separate accounts for federal grant expenditures in accordance with 2 CFR 200.302(b)(3). Management's Response: The District agrees with the finding and will review their accounting records and implement a corrective action plan.
2024-001 Supporting Documentation and Approval of Disbursements Federal Program - U.S. Department of the Treasury – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ALN 21.027) Federal Award Number - SLFRP0136 Compliance Requirement - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles (2 CFR § 200.403 and § 200.302) Repeat Finding - This is a repeat finding of 2023-001. Corrective action was not completed prior to or during the audit period due to the timing of audit completion and recommendations to management. Criteria - Per 2 CFR § 200.403(g), to be allowable under a federal award, costs must be adequately documented. Additionally, 2 CFR § 200.302 requires the non-Federal entity to establish and maintain effective internal controls over federal awards that provide reasonable assurance of compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Condition - During our testing of expense and disbursement transactions charged to the federal program, we identified instances where payments were made without adequate supporting documentation or evidence of appropriate review and approval. While the costs appear consistent with the purpose of the program and are considered allowable in nature, the absence of documentation limits the ability to verify the appropriateness and accuracy of the expenditures. A majority of these transactions were related to temporary housing assistance, including payments to hotels. Cause - The organization does not currently have or did not follow a formal process to ensure that all disbursements are properly documented and reviewed. Effect - Failure to maintain adequate documentation impairs the organization’s ability to demonstrate compliance with federal requirements and increases the risk of errors or inappropriate expenditures going undetected. Questioned Costs - $0. No costs are questioned at this time, as the disbursements appear consistent with program objectives. Recommendation - We recommend that the organization strengthen internal controls over the disbursement process by implementing procedures requiring all expenses to be supported by documentation such as invoices or receipts and be reviewed and approved by appropriate personnel prior to payment. Views of Responsible Officials - we agree with the finding and determined it was due to an oversight by the organization on establishing proper procedures for a new program. Verbal communications were not recorded appropriately and approvals were not signed by management.
FA 2024-001 Improve Controls over Expenditures Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Reporting Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: COVID-19 – 84.425D – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund COVID-19 – 84.425U – American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Federal Award Numbers: S425D210012 (Year: 2021), S425U210012 (Year: 2021) Questioned Costs: $819,799.49 Description: The policies and procedures of the School District were insufficient to provide adequate internal controls over expenditures as it relates to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program. Background: On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act was designed to mitigate the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, including providing additional funding for local educational agencies (LEAs) navigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Provisions included in Title VIII of the CARES Act created the Education Stabilization Fund to provide financial resources to educational entities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. The CARES Act allocated $30.75 billion, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act allocated an additional $81.9 billion, and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act added $165.1 billion in funding to the Education Stabilization Fund. Multiple Education Stabilization Fund subprograms were created and allotted funding through the various COVID-19-related legislation. Of these programs, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund was created to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation. ESSER funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. ESSER funds totaling $3,951,662.00 were expended and reported on the Hancock County Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2024. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 – Internal Controls. Provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.403 – Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs state that “costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles, (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items, (c) Be consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally-financed and other activities of the non-Federal entity… (g) Be adequately documented…” In addition, to assist school districts in improving their financial management systems and associated compliance over federal programs, GaDOE published the Financial Management for Georgia Local Units of Administration (FMGLUA) manual. The FMGLUA manual requires that LEAs submit a budget as part of each federal program’s Consolidated Application process. The program budget reflects details regarding the manner in which each school district intends to expend the program funds. The Consolidated Application, including the budget, for each program must be reviewed and approved by GaDOE personnel before the LEA is authorized to expend program funds. Amendments to the budget are to be submitted to and approved by GaDOE when a school district intends to spend funds in a manner not initially reported. LEA personnel must also provide program-specific assurances related to the ESSER program within the Consolidated Application system. These assurances are reflected in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.415 – Required Certifications, and include provisions that require LEAs “to assure that expenditures are proper and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Federal award and approved project budgets...” Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.430 – Compensation- Personal Services prescribe standards for documentation of personnel expenses and state, in part, that “(a) … Costs for compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy… specific requirements…, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the non-Federal entity consistently applied to both Federal and non-Federal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a non-Federal entity’s laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of Federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in paragraph (i)…, [as follows:] (i) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity…” Lastly, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.302(a) state in part that “the non- Federal entity’s financial management systems must… be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions.” In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.302(b)(2) state in part that the non-federal entity’s financial management system must provide for “accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements.” Condition: A review of the School District’s accounting records and approved expenditures reflected within the ESSER program Consolidated Application reviewed the following deficiencies: • A sample of 13 nonpersonal services expenditures was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These expenditures were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. It was noted that prior approval was not obtained from GaDOE for two expenditures totaling $505,229.40 as these expenditures were not reflected in the approved budget or subsequent amendment within the Consolidated Application system as required. • A sample of 37 employees was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These employees were reviewed to determine if internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. It was noted that prior approval was not obtained from GaDOE for 29 expenditures totaling $181,761.00 as these expenditures were not reflected in the approved budget or subsequent amendment within the Consolidated Application system as required. • A review of indirect cost amounts charged to the ESSER program revealed that the total indirect cost amount budgeted by the School District, which totaled $600,000.00, was recorded as indirect cost expenditures during the period under review. However, the School District should have applied the indirect cost rate approved by the GaDOE to actual expenditures incurred during the fiscal year to calculate a maximum indirect cost amount of $467,190.96. Therefore, unallowable indirect costs totaling $132,809.04 were recorded within the ESSER fund. • Expenditures reported on the ARP ESSER completion report for the period July 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024 were not supported by the general ledger for several functions and objects reflected in the amended consolidated application. Questioned Costs: Upon testing a sample of $690,319.93 in nonpersonal services expenditures, known questioned costs of $505,229.40 were identified for expenditures not properly approved through the Consolidated Application process. Using the total nonpersonal services expenditures population of $2,507,902.88, we project the likely questioned costs to be approximately $1,835,476.87 In addition, upon testing a sample of $418,831.17 in personal services expenditures, known questioned costs of $181,761.05 were identified for expenditures not approved in the consolidated application. Using the total personal services expenditures population of $1,303,995.07 (excluding benefits payments), we project the likely questioned costs to be approximately $565,897.50. Furthermore, known questioned costs $132,809.04 were identified for unallowable indirect costs charged to the ESSER program. Therefore, the known and likely questioned costs identified for all unallowable payments totaled $819,799.49 and $2,534,183.41, respectively. The following Assistance Listing Numbers were affected by known and likely questioned costs: 84.425D & 84.425U. Cause: In discussing this deficiency with the School District, they stated that they did not consider the expenditure purchases unallowable and recorded them in the wrong account number due to oversight. Indirect costs were charged according to the budget without regard of the appropriate indirect cost rate. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance or GaDOE guidance related to the ESSER Program. Failure to accurately develop and amend budget information through the Consolidated Application process and verify compliance with applicable policies and regulations prior to the expenditure of federal program funds may expose the School District to unnecessary financial strains and shortages as GaDOE may require the School District to return funds associated with unapproved and unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate current internal control procedures related to the ESSER Program. Where vulnerable, the School District should develop and/or modify its policies and procedures to ensure that potential expenditures are approved through the Consolidated Application process and deemed to be allowable before spending federal funds. In addition, management should develop and implement a monitoring process to ensure that control procedures are being followed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
2024-011 (2023-005) INADEQUATE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title and Assistance Listing Number: Higher Educational Institutional Aid, 84.031 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency Compliance Area: Other - Inadequate Policies and Procedures Federal Award Year: 2024 Questioned Costs: None Condition The College does not maintain written procedures as required by 2 CFR 200, Subparts D and E of the Uniform Guidance. Criteria Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(6), Financial Management, the financial management system of each non-federal entity must provide the following: Written procedures to implement the requirements of 200.305 Federal Payment. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b)(7), Financial Management, the financial management system of each nonfederal entity must provide the following: Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with Subpart E – Cost Principles of this part and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Cause The College does not have written procedures for the federal program financial management requirements. Effect Not having written procedures for the aforementioned puts the College in direct violation of Federal requirements over Federal programs under the Uniform Guidance, which could result in a loss of programs, funds and/or repayment of federal monies already awarded back to the Federal government.
Criteria: Federal awarding agencies and pass-through entities require recipients to submit periodic financial and performance reports, including but not limited to cash reconciliation reports, quarterly reports, and final expenditure reports, within specified deadlines. These reports must be accurate, complete, and supported by underlying accounting records. Additionally, recipients are required to establish and maintain effective internal controls to ensure the accurate preparation, reconciliation, and timely submission of all required federal reports in accordance with 2 CFR 200.302 and 2 CFR 200.303. Condition: The District did not consistently file required federal reports within established deadlines. Specifically, certain required quarterly cash reconciliation reports were submitted after the required due dates, and in some instances, required reports were not submitted. Additionally, the District was unable to provide adequate supporting documentation to reconcile reported expenditures to the general ledger for certain federal reports. Furthermore, required final expenditure reports were not always submitted after funds were fully expended. These issues were noted across multiple federal programs, indicating deficiencies in the District’s overall internal controls over federal reporting. Cause: The District's internal controls and review process over federal reporting were not operating effectively. There was a lack of adequate supervisory review and monitoring to ensure that all federal reports were prepared accurately, reconciled to the general ledger, and submitted in a timely manner. Effect: The District is not in compliance with federal reporting requirements. Failure to submit accurate and timely reports could result in delayed reimbursements, increased scrutiny by federal and pass-through agencies, or potential withholding or loss of federal funding. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: We recommend that the District strengthen internal controls over federal reporting for all federal programs. The District should implement formal procedures to ensure that all required federal reports are prepared accurately and completely, reconciled to the general ledger, reviewed by appropriate supervisory personnel, and submitted timely in accordance with federal and pass-through agency requirements. Additionally, the District should provide training to personnel responsible for federal reporting and implement a monitoring process to ensure ongoing compliance with federal requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: Management is in agreement with the finding. Prior Year Finding: 2023-02
MATERIAL WEAKNESS Finding Number: 2024-003 Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Federal Program: 84.027 & 84.173 Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Federal Program: 84.425D/84.425U Education Stabilization Fund Criteria: 2 CFR §200.318(a) requires non-federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal control over procurement transactions to ensure compliance with applicable federal statutes and regulations. 2 CFR §§200.317–200.327 require non-federal entities to maintain written procurement policies and procedures that address procurement methods, documentation requirements, and contract administration. 2 CFR §200.430(i) requires charges to federal awards for salaries and wages to be supported by documentation that accurately reflects the work performed and supports the allowability and allocation of payroll costs.2 CFR §200.302(b)(3) requires financial management systems to maintain records that adequately identify the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. Condition: The entity did not maintain adequate internal controls over procurement and payroll expenditures charged to the federal program. Specifically: • The entity does not have a formally adopted, written procurement policy that complies with federal procurement requirements. • Invoices tested did not include supporting documentation such as purchase orders, executed contracts, or memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to substantiate the procurement of goods or services, approval of the transactions, or the basis for the costs incurred. • Payroll expenditures charged to the federal program lacked sufficient supporting documentation, including employment contracts or documentation identifying the employee’s placement on the applicable salary chart within the Teacher and Support Staff Association agreement. • As a result, the entity was unable to demonstrate that payroll costs were calculated in accordance with approved pay rates and were allowable and properly supported. Cause: The deficiencies resulted from the absence of formal procurement policies and insufficient internal controls over documentation standards and record retention for procurement and payroll transactions. Effect: Due to the lack of written procurement policies and insufficient supporting documentation for procurement and payroll expenditures, the entity is unable to demonstrate compliance with federal procurement and cost principles. These deficiencies increase the risk that unallowable or improperly supported costs could be charged to the federal program and not be detected in a timely manner. Identification of Questioned Costs:None identified. Context: The absence of formal procurement policies and consistent supporting documentation limited the ability to readily demonstrate compliance with federal procurement and cost principles and increased the extent of audit procedures required. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding of 2023-03.Recommendation: We recommend that management update its procurement policy to include all current requirements under 2 CFR 200 and implement a process to periodically review and revise the policy to remain compliant with future federal regulation changes. Require that all procurement transactions be supported by purchase orders, executed contracts, MOUs, invoices, and evidence of approval and receipt. Ensure payroll expenditures charged to federal programs are supported by employment contracts and documentation identifying employee placement on the applicable salary schedule in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, as required by 2 CFR §200.430. Implement monitoring and training procedures to ensure consistent compliance with federal documentation requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the entity.
Finding Number: 2024-004 Internal control weakness over activities allowed/allowable costs Federal Program: 84.027 & 84.173 Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Federal Program: 84.425D/84.425U Education Stabilization Fund Criteria: 2 CFR §200.302(b)(7) requires non-federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR §200.403 requires that costs charged to a federal award be allowable, reasonable, and allocable to the federal program. 2 CFR §§200.302(b)(3) and 200.302(b)(4) require financial management systems to maintain records that adequately identify the source and application of funds for federally funded activities and support the allowability of costs charged to federal programs. Condition: The District did not maintain adequate internal controls to ensure that expenditures charged to Education Stabilization Fund grants were for activities allowed and allowable under Uniform Guidance. Specifically, the District lacked documented procedures and control activities to review and approve expenditures for allowability prior to charging costs to the federal program. Cause: The deficiencies resulted from the absence of formally documented procedures and internal control activities addressing the review and approval of expenditures for allowability under Uniform Guidance. As a result, management did not establish controls to ensure that costs charged to Education Stabilization Fund grants were evaluated for allowability in accordance with federal requirements. Effect: This condition increases the risk that unallowable or improperly supported costs could be charged to Education Stabilization Fund grants and not be identified or corrected in a timely manner, resulting in noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The absence of documented internal control procedures over activities allowed and allowable costs limited the District’s ability to readily demonstrate compliance with Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding of 2023-04. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the entity.
Retain Supporting Documentation for Journal Entries (Material Weakness, Compliance Finding) Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture/Department of Education Cluster/Program: Child Nutrition Cluster/Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553/10.555/10.559/84.425D Award Year: 2024 Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Criteria Per 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management) and 2 CFR 200.403 (Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs) of the Uniform Guidance, recipients of federal awards must maintain records that identify adequately the source and application of funds. All accounting records, including journal entries affecting federal programs, must be supported by sufficient documentation to ensure costs are allowable, allocable, and properly authorized. Condition During our audit of federal grant programs, we identified several journal entries affecting federal grant expenditures that lacked adequate supporting documentation. Specifically, these entries did not include invoices, detailed calculations, approval signatures, or written explanations substantiating the nature and purpose of the transactions. Cause The District does not have a formalized policy or consistent procedure requiring that all journal entries be accompanied by adequate supporting documentation and maintained for audit and review purposes. Effect Without adequate supporting documentation, there is an increased risk that unallowable, inaccurate, or unauthorized costs could be charged to federal programs. This deficiency also impedes the ability to demonstrate compliance with federal requirements. Context Supporting documentation for journal entries was not maintained in fiscal year 2024. This was a recurring issue throughout the year. This issue was not present in previous fiscal years. Questioned Costs As a result of this finding, we have identified $54,856 in Child Nutrition Cluster federal expenditures and $523,315 in Education Stabilization Fund federal grant expenditures as questioned costs. These costs represent journal entries for which sufficient supporting documentation was not provided to substantiate allowability and compliance with federal requirements. Recommendation To rectify this material weakness, we recommend the District implement and enforce policies requiring that all journal entries be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation and reviewed and approved by supervisory personnel prior to posting. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions The District’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report.
Finding 2024-002 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Foster Care Title IV-E Federal Assistance Listing Number: 93.658 Compliance Requirements: Activities allowed or unallowed, Allowable costs/Cost Principles Type of Finding: Significant Deficiencies in Internal Control over Compliance Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 2201CAFOST 2024 Criteria: According to 2 CFR, Part 200.302(b)(3), recipients of federal awards are responsible 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. All records must be supported by source documentation. Condition/Context: In connection with the Activities allowed or unallowed, and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements for the Foster Care Title IV-E grant, we noted that management was unable to locate 3 approved invoices out of 40 items selected for test work. Cause: Due to turnover in the accounting department, some accounting records became misplaced and current accounting staff could not locate these records. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to ensure expenses are being accurately supported and recorded could result in noncompliance with the grant requirements or unallowable costs being charged. Questioned Costs: $32,420 Identification as a Repeat Finding This finding is a repeat finding (see prior year finding number: 2023-002). Auditor's Recommendation: We recommend that management implement policies, procedures, and controls to ensure supporting documentation over expenses is properly retained and expenses charged to Federal awards are accurate. Views of Responsible Officials: Management understands the critical importance of maintaining proper documentation to ensure compliance with federal program requirements. To this end, the Organization will implement and reinforce a comprehensive system for retaining all invoices, payment records, and supporting documentation associated with federal awards. Additionally, the Organization will create and maintain a clear record retention policy. Invoice and Payment Documentation: • All invoices related to the federal program will be promptly reviewed and approved by the appropriate personnel to ensure they reflect allowable costs under the specific terms and conditions of the award. • Management will establish clear procedures for the proper recording and classification of payments, ensuring that they are linked directly to the corresponding federal program expenses. • All supporting documentation (e.g., purchase orders, contracts, receipts) will be retained in electronic formats within the accounting system, in accordance with the Organization’s record retention policy, ensuring availability for future audits or reviews. Retention and Accessibility: • The Organization will maintain a secure, organized filing system for all invoices and payments, ensuring that each record is easily accessible for audit purposes. This system will include electronic records that are stored in a centralized database, with restricted access to authorized personnel. • Retained invoices and payment documentation will be kept for the full duration required by federal regulations, typically for a period of at least seven years after the final expenditure report for the federal award has been submitted, or as otherwise required by the specific federal agency. Periodic Reviews and Monitoring: • To ensure ongoing compliance, Management will perform periodic reviews of federal program expenditures and documentation. This will include random sampling of invoices and payment records to confirm that they are complete, accurate, and in compliance with federal regulations. • In the event of any discrepancies or issues identified during these reviews, Management will take immediate corrective action to address the issue and prevent recurrence. By maintaining thorough records of all invoices and payments, the Organization aims to not only comply with federal audit requirements but also to ensure transparency, accountability, and sound financial management of federal funds.
Finding 2024-009 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistance Listing Number 93.224, 93.527 – Health Center Program Cluster Material Weakness and Noncompliance over Cash Management Repeat Finding: No Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.302: Financial management, each recipient must expend and account for the federal award in accordance with state laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the recipient’s own funds. In addition, the state’s and the other non-federal entity’s 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 general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition and Context: For 1 out of 3 selections, we were unable to agree the drawdown amount to the general ledger to ensure funds were expended prior to requesting reimbursement. Additionally, for 1 out of 3 selections, there was a misapplied payment and incorrect drawdown was requested. Cause: Controls surrounding the cash drawdown process are not operating effectively. Expenditures are not reviewed prior to submission of request. Management could not reconcile information presented in the expenditure report to the underlying records. Effect or Potential Effect: Expenditures reported to the federal government could be inaccurate. Questioned Costs: Unknown. Recommendation: We recommend that the City review policies, procedures and practices in place to ensure drawdowns are reconciled to the general ledger, and reviewed and approved before requests have been submitted. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. Refer to the Corrective Action Plan Section of this report.
Finding 2024-004 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistance Listing Number 93.137 – Community Programs to Improve Minority Health Grant Program Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance over Cash Management Repeat Finding: No Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.302: Financial management. (a) Each recipient must expend and account for the federal award in accordance with state laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the recipient’s own funds. In addition, the state’s and the other non-federal entity’s 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 general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition and Context: For 1 out of 1 selection, we were unable to agree the drawdown amount to the general ledger to ensure funds were being expended prior to requesting reimbursement. Cause: Controls surrounding the cash drawdown process are not operating effectively. Management could not reconcile information presented in the expenditure report to the underlying records. Effect or Potential Effect: Expenditures are not reviewed prior to submission of request. Expenditures reported to the federal government could be inaccurate. Questioned Costs: $37,527.16. Recommendation: We recommend that the City review policies, procedures and practices in place to ensure drawdowns are reconciled to the general ledger, and reviewed and approved before requests have been submitted. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. Refer to the Corrective Action Plan Section of this report.
Finding No. 2024-006 – Purchases and disbursement cycle Federal Program ALN 93.498 Provider Relief Fund - CARES Act Name of Federal Agency U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Category Non-compliance / Material Weakness in internal controls over compliance Compliance Requirement Activities Allowed/Cost Principl Criteria The Purchasing Procedures Manual or “Reglamento de compras” of the Corporation, in its articles 14 “Inicio de las gestiones de compra” and 15 “Subastas informales”, establishes the parameters and process to begin a purchase, that includes the issuance of a purchase requisition as well as of the requirement of a quotation for determined purchases. In addition, 2 CFR §200.302 – Financial Management, states that management must maintain 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. All records must be supported by source documentation. Also, 2 CFR §200.334 – Retention Requirements for Records, states that the recipient and subrecipient must retain all Federal award records for three years from the date of submission of their final financial report. Records to be retained include but are not limited to, financial records, supporting documentation, and statistical records. Finally, 2 CFR §200.303 – Internal Controls state that the recipient and subrecipient must establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient or subrecipient is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition During testing of internal control procedures over purchases and cash disbursements of Provider Relief Funds, we examined processed invoices and payments that lacked properly approved purchase requisitions and quotations. The documents could not be located by management and thus, were not made available for examination. Cause This deficiency is the result of lack of knowledge from the employees and overall absence of implementation, monitoring and proper compliance with internal controls of the Corporation’s procedures. Effect The Corporation did not comply with its purchasing procedures manual. This condition increases the risk of improper or fraudulent purchases, the selection of higher-cost vendors, and other procurement irregularities. Because these transactions were funded with federal awards, this condition also increases the risk of noncompliance with federal requirements and the potential for questioned costs. Questioned cost None. Context During the audit of substantive tests of compliance related to Provider Relief Fund disbursements, from a sample of twenty-five (25) disbursements, we examined twenty-five (25) invoices, in which, six (6) of them lacked an approved requisition, and proper documentation of quotations. Identification of a repeat finding A similar condition was found in the previous audit on Finding 2023-003 which was an Internal Control over Financial Reporting finding. Recommendation We recommend that the Corporation strengthen its internal controls over the purchasing and disbursement processes to ensure compliance with its established policies and procedures. Specifically, all supporting documentation for purchases and cash disbursements should be reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with procurement requirements prior to the approval and signing of checks. Any exceptions or unusual items should be resolved and documented before payment is processed. In addition, management should implement supervisory review and monitoring procedures to ensure that procurement activities are performed in accordance with the Corporation’s policies and applicable federal requirements. All supporting documentation should be properly maintained to support transactions and facilitate audit and internal review purposes. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions The Corporation’s management and responsible officers agree with this finding. Please refer to the corrective action plan section for the Corporation’s response on pages 85 to 90.
Information on the Federal Program(s): 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program Compliance Requirements: Cash Management. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(6) requires that each non-Federal entity must provide for written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Effect: Failure to have written procedures to ensure the compliance with the 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment could result in federal award drawdown requests by the City to be overstated as to immediate cash flow needs, noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, and terms and conditions of the Federal award. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City identify grants that are subject to the Uniform Guidance on a timely basis to ensure all compliance requirements are met and develop written procedures where required. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The City has identified federal grants subject to the Uniform Guidance and will develop written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment.
Information on the Federal Program(s): 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs and Costs Principles. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(7) requires that each non-Federal entity must provide for written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written procedures for determining the allowability of costs and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written procedures for determining the allowability of costs and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effect: Failure to have written procedures for determining allowability of costs and the terms and conditions of the Federal award could result in costs charged to the program that are not allowable costs as defined by the appropriate cost principles circular and noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements and terms and conditions of the Federal award. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City identify grants that are subject to Uniform Guidance on a timely basis to ensure all compliance requirements are met and develop written procedures where required. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The City has identified federal grants subject to the Uniform Guidance and will develop written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E—Cost Principles and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Justice Program Name: Office for Victims of Crime Federal Program: Crime Victim Assistance Program (ALN 16.575) Non-Material Non-Compliance – Allowable Cost and Activities Finding 2024-001 Criteria or Specific Requirement: 2 CFR §200.302(b)(3) and §200.403(g) require that recipients maintain records sufficient to substantiate expenditures of federal awards and ensure that costs are adequately documented. Condition: During testing of expenditures for the Crime Victim Assistance Program, we noted that supporting documentation (e.g., invoices or payroll detail) for a number of transactions was incomplete or unavailable. Context: We tested a sample of 24 expenses out of 228 expenses during the year. Questioned Costs: No known or likely questioned costs exceed $25,000 Effect: Although alternative audit procedures were performed to verify the reasonableness and allowability of the costs, incomplete documentation indicates a weakness in recordkeeping controls. However, the number and dollar value of affected transactions were not material to the Crime Victim Assistance Program as a whole, and no questioned costs were identified. Cause: The organization experienced turnover in financial management positions and converted accounting systems multiple times during the audit period. During these transitions, some historical documentation was not migrated to the current system or retained in accessible form. Recommendation: We recommend that Safe Harbor Crisis Center strengthen its document retention policies and ensure that all grant-related supporting documentation is archived in a centralized electronic system accessible to both management and auditors, particularly during staff transitions or system conversions. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding and is implementing procedures to correct his which is further discussed in the corrective action plan.
Finding 2024-003 Document Policies and Procedures Over Federal Awards Federal Program(s) Information Cluster/Program: All federal programs Type of Finding: Compliance – Other Matters Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Criteria or Specific Requirement: Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200, including § 200.302 and 200.303) requires non-federal entities administering federal awards to establish and maintain effective internal controls over federal programs. Entities must document written policies and procedures covering key areas such as financial management, internal controls, procurement, subrecipient monitoring, and cash management. Condition and Context: The Town has not formalized written policies and procedures related to federal awards required under Uniform Guidance. This includes but is not limited to areas such as financial management, procurement, subrecipient monitoring, and cash management. Cause: The Town has not developed or implemented comprehensive written policies and procedures governing the management and administration of federal awards. Effect or Potential Effect: The absence of written policies and procedures increases the risk of noncompliance with federal regulations, inconsistent administration of grant requirements, and potential mismanagement of federal funds. No questioned costs are noted as the requirement is procedural in nature. Recommendation: Written policies and procedures should be implemented in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Official: Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the Schedule of Prior Year Findings.
Internal Control over Compliance and Compliance with Reporting (Preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA)) ALN: 93.866, Aging Research: The Role of Methylation-Sensitive PP2A Isoforms in Regulating the Pathological Response to Tau ALN: 21.027, COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 200.510(b) states in part: The auditee must also prepare a schedule of expenditures of Federal awards for the period covered by the auditee’s financial statements which must include the total Federal awards expended as determined in accordance with CFR Section 200.502 Basis for determining Federal awards expended. The schedule must provide total Federal awards expended for each individual Federal program. CFR 200.302(b)(1) requires the nonfederal entity to identify in its accounts and on the schedule of expenditures of federal awards all federal awards received and expended, as well as the federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listing program title and number, the federal award identification number and year, the name of the federal agency, and the name of the pass-through entity, if any. Condition: The Role of Methylation-Sensitive PP2A Isoforms in Regulating the Pathological Response to Tau grant included amounts that were not Federal expenditures. Investigating the Role of Long-Term Latent Herpes Simplex Virus Infection on APOE4-Associated Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis Grant and COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant were left off the prepared SEFA. Context: The SEFA was understated or overstated by ALN as follows: • Overstated by $12,757 for The Role of Methylation-Sensitive PPA Isoforms in Regulating the Pathological Response to Tau grant; and • Understated by $150,000 for the omission of COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant. Effect: The SEFA provided was not complete and accurate. Questioned Costs: None. Cause: The overstated grant amount of $12,757 was a misinterpretation of contract costs being included as Federal Expenditures after the grant had ended. The omission of $150,000 was a misinterpretation of the Federal source of the grant. Recommendation: We recommend McLaughlin Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Inc. strengthen internal controls over the preparation of the SEFA by having staff familiar with the federal funds review the prepared SEFA for completeness and accuracy prior to providing it to the auditor.
2024-006 - Preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards Finding Type: Material weakness in internal control over compliance. Criteria: The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.302 and 2 CFR 200.510(b)) requires that non-Federal entities maintain records that adequately identify the source and application of Federal awards and prepare a Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) that is complete and accurate. Condition: The City did not prepare a Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. A complete and accurate SEFA was prepared by the external auditor during the audit process. Cause: This condition is the result of the City’s lack of procedures and internal controls to identify, track, and report Federal award activity necessary to prepare the SEFA. Effect: As a result of this condition, the City did not maintain adequate internal control over compliance related to Federal reporting requirements and was not able to ensure that all Federal expenditures were identified and reported in accordance with Uniform Guidance. Recommendation: The City should implement procedures to identify and track Federal awards and expenditures and prepare a complete and accurate SEFA in accordance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Management Response: See Corrective Action Plan.
Finding 2024-2 Assistance listing number: 21.027 Program name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Pass-through entity: State of Michigan EGLE Project numbers: A5817-01 Finding type: Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat finding: No Criteria: Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) requires non-federal entities to maintain specific written policies to ensure accountability for federal awards. Minimum mandatory policies include procurement procedures, allowability of costs, conflict of interest, cash management, and internal controls. Conditions: The City did not have written policies, as are required by Uniform Guidance, that adhered fully to the requirements of Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs: None Why Questioned Costs Not Determinable: N/A How Questioned Computed: N/A Context: The City has some written policies or resolutions that address procurement and conflict of interest. The procurement policy, however, did not fully address the requirements of UG Section 200.318. In addition, the City had developed some procedures for cash management, allowability costs and internal control but did not adopt the written policies for cash management, allowability of costs and internal control that would fully address the requirements of UG Sections 200.305, 200.302, 200.400 and 200.303. Cause: The City was not in compliance with the UG requirements to have the correct written policies related to procurement, cash management, allowability costs and internal control. Effect: The absence of those properly prepared written policies increases the potential for further noncompliance because the City’s procedures may not adequately address the relevant compliance requirements. Recommendation: We recommend that the City create and put in place the written policies that address the requirements of 2 CFR 200.318-Procurement, 200.305-Cash Management, 200.302 & 200.400-Allowability of Costs, 200.303-Internal Control. View and Response of Responsible Officials: The City is reviewing existing documents and the requirements of UG for written policies to determine the best course of action to create and put in place the written policies required by UG.
Finding 2024-002 – Untimely and Inaccurate Preparation of the Schedule of Federal Awards (SEFA) (Sig-nificant Deficiency) Financial Reporting / Internal Control Over Compliance CFDA Title and Number: 97.036 Public Assistance Program – Disaster Grants Name of Federal Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA Internal Control over Compliance: Skills Knowledge and Education (SK&E) CFDA Title and Number: 66.202 Wastewater Treatment Plant Name of Federal Agency: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Internal Control over Compliance: Skills Knowledge and Education (SK&E) Criteria: The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200.510(b)), requires the auditee to prepare a Schedule of Federal Ex-penditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) that accurately reports federal expenditures for each federal award, including the Assistance Listing number, federal agency, pass-through entity (if any), and amount expended for the fiscal year. In addition, (2 CFR §200.302(b)), requires financial management systems that provide for accurate, current, and complete disclosure of federal award expenditures and support reliable financial reporting and reconciled to the general ledger. Condition: The auditee did not timely or accurately prepare the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Specifically: • The initial SEFA provided to auditors was significantly later than the requested date, and required signifi-cant auditor inquiry and assistance to complete. • Management did not demonstrate an understanding of the dates and amounts of federal expenditures to be reported on the SEFA. • The SEFA provided to auditors did not include all federal awards. • Required Assistance Listing numbers were not included for federal programs. • The format of the SEFA was not easily reconcilable to the general ledger, and required auditor-identified corrections and adjustments in order to fairly present federal expenditures in accordance with federal re-quirements. Cause: The condition resulted from: • An insufficient understanding of SEFA preparation requirements, including which expenditures to report and how federal awards should be presented; and • Inadequate internal controls over the preparation, review, and reconciliation of the SEFA to the accounting records. Effect or Potential Effect: As a result of these conditions: • There was an increased risk that federal expenditures were incomplete, inaccurate, or improperly reported. • Management’s ability to determine total federal expenditures, for the fiscal year, including evaluation of Single Audit applicability, was impaired. • The entity relied on auditor assistance to identify omitted awards, reconcile amounts and bring the SEFA into compliance with federal reporting requirements, indicating a lack of effective internal controls over federal financial reporting. Questioned Cost: None noted here. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the entity strengthen its internal controls over federal financial reporting by: • Developing and documenting procedures for the timely preparation of the SEFA, including identification of all federal awards, correct Assistance Listing numbers, and determination of reportable expenditures. • Establish a process to reconcile the SEFA to the general ledger and to supporting records to ensure com-pleteness and accuracy. • Providing training to appropriate personnel regarding Uniform Guidance SEFA requirements and the de-termination of federal expenditures for reporting and audit threshold purposes. • Establish cutoff procedures to capture year-end accruals/deferred items and ensure completeness of ex-penditures for the SEFA. Views of Responsible Officials: Port of Brookings Harbor acknowledges this finding. Management recognizes that it did not fully understand SEFA reporting requirements. Management is committed to enhancing its under-standing of federal reporting requirements and strengthening internal controls to ensure future SEFA’s are prepared accurately, completely, and in a timely manner. Corrective Action Plan: _________________________ (To be developed by Port of Brookings Harbor and sub-mitted for final report) Planned Implementation Date: ________________ Responsible Persons: District Financial Management, Port of Brookings Harbor
2024-015 Inability to Test Compliance and Adequacy of Federal Grant Expenditures (Material Weakness) Federal Agency: All Pass-through Agency: New Hampshire Department of Education Cluster/Program: All Assistance Listing Numbers: All Compliance Requirement: All Type of Finding: Internal Control over Compliance – Material Weakness Noncompliance could not be determined due to the scope limitation Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.302(b)(3), Financial Management, recipients of federal funds must maintain records that adequately identify the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest, and must be supported by source documentation. In addition, per 2 CFR 200.303, Internal Controls, recipients must establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Lastly, per 2 CFR 200.334, Record Retention Requirements, recipients of federal funds must retain financial and programmatic records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to a federal award for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report. Condition: The School District informed the audit engagement team that it was unable to locate all required documentation necessary to support expenditures and demonstrate compliance with federal program requirements. As a result, we were unable to test compliance with Federal program requirements, and expenditures reported on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) could not be fully supported or reconciled to the School District’s financial records. This limitation prevented us from completing the required testing over major programs. In addition, while the audit engagement team was able to trace reported federal revenue amounts to records maintained by the New Hampshire Department of Education, the School District was unable to provide sufficient supporting documentation to verify expenditures at the individual grant level. Furthermore, the School District’s grants fund was adjusted, or “plugged,” in total so that aggregate revenues agreed to aggregate expenditures; however, detailed balances were not maintained or reconciled by individual federal award. As a result, the School District could not demonstrate that revenues and expenditures were accurately recorded and matched to the specific grants from which they originated. Cause: The School District lacks a consistent, centralized process for retaining and organizing documentation related to federal program expenditures and compliance requirements. In addition, accounting records were not maintained at a sufficient level of detail to track activity by individual grant award. High staff turnover and the absence of clear written procedures contributed to the unavailability of records and the use of unsupported year-end adjustments to reconcile grant activity. Effect: Because required supporting documentation was unavailable, we were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support compliance with federal requirements for the affected programs. Consequently, we were unable to determine whether certain transactions were allowable, properly allocated, and in compliance with the applicable grant requirements. Additionally, the inability to reconcile grant revenues and expenditures at the individual award level increases the risk of inaccurate reporting, improper use of restricted funds, missed reimbursement opportunities, and noncompliance with grant terms and conditions. This represents material noncompliance and may result in questioned costs, repayment obligations, or other remedial actions by the granting agencies. Questioned Costs: Unable to determine. We cannot quantify questioned costs because no testing could be performed, and the scope limitation affects all reported federal expenditures. Identification as Repeat Finding: As identified in Schedule III, Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings, this is a repeat of finding 2023-001. Recommendation: We recommend that the School District establish and enforce stronger internal controls over Federal grants management and document retention. This should include implementing a centralized digital storage system, maintaining separate accounting records for each individual grant award, performing periodic reconciliations of revenues and expenditures by grant, and eliminating unsupported balancing entries used to force aggregate funds into agreement. In addition, the School District should provide regular staff training on federal documentation requirements and adopt written policies and procedures that clearly assign responsibility for grant accounting, reconciliation, and record retention. These steps will help ensure that all required documentation is consistently maintained, grant activity is accurately reported, and records are readily accessible for audit and monitoring purposes. Views of Responsible Officials: Management’s views and corrective action plan are included at the end of this report.
Criteria: Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.302(b)(7) and 2 CFR 200.430) requires entities to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards, including ensuring that expenditures are properly authorized and supported by adequate documentation. Condition: During testing, the Organization was unable to provide documented evidence of disbursement approvals, as approvals are frequently communicated verbally or via text message and are not retained. In addition, the Organization was unable to provide employment agreements or other documentation supporting employee pay rates for individuals whose compensation was charged to the federal program. Cause: The condition appears to result from inadequate policies and procedures over documenting and retaining evidence of approval for expenditures, including both disbursement authorization and employee compensation arrangements, as well as a lack of formal controls requiring retention of such documentation. Effect: As a result, there is an increased risk that expenditures charged to federal programs may be unauthorized, improperly approved, unsupported, or not allowable under Uniform Guidance. The lack of documentation also limits the effectiveness of audit procedures and increases the likelihood that noncompliance could occur and not be detected. No questioned costs were identified as a result of this finding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization establish formal procedures requiring documented authorization for all disbursements and ensure that such approvals are retained in an organized and accessible manner. Additionally, the Organization should implement procedures requiring formal documentation of employee compensation arrangements, including established pay rates, and ensure that this documentation is consistently maintained and readily available for audit and compliance purposes. Management’s Response: Management agrees with the finding and indicates that it will implement formal approval procedures requiring documented authorization for all disbursements and will retain such documentation within its accounting records. Management also plans to implement standardized employment agreements and compensation authorization documentation for all employees and strengthen document retention practices to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2024-022 (See Finding Reference Number 2024-003) FEDERAL PROGRAM (ALN – 10.542) PANDEMIC EBT FOOD BENEFITS (P-EBT) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AWARD NUMBERS 2301PR456S9032 (Federal Award Years: 10/1/2022 through 3/31/2024) ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAMILY (ADSEF, BY ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT ACTIVITIES ALLOWED OR UNALLOWED // ELIGIBILITY // REPORTING TYPE OF FINDING INTERNAL CONTROL AND COMPLIANCE – MATERIAL WEAKNESS AND MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE CRITERIA Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200 §200.302, Financial Management, establishes that: “(a) 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. (See § 200.450). (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following (see §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337): (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) 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. All records must be supported by source documentation. In accordance with the approved State Plan, no summer 2023 P-EBT benefits may be issued to children who did not attend an NSLP-participating school at the end of the school year immediately preceding the summer. STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our internal control procedures for the financial management system regarding reporting requirements, we found the following deficiencies regarding the only report submitted during the fiscal year of September 30, 2023: • The amount reported as total Federal share of outlays (line 10.g.), was $35,356,789, and the amount of $879,121 (line 10.h) as total unliquidated obligations. The accounting system (PRIFA) reported total expenditures in the amount of $36,235,910, which is the sum of lines 10.g and 10.h. No unliquidated obligations are included in the database of PRIFA. • In addition, we noted an expenditure dated October 31, 2023, in the database for $92,157 that was not reported. This amount was not included as unliquidated obligation in the report of September and no other report was submitted that included this expenditure. • We have no administrative expenses recorded in the database; however, the reports provided listed $307,733 as administrative expenses. In relation to the allowable activities, we obtained a list of all participants that received the benefits. We noted that the information provided from SAIC system does not agree with the reports provided by Service EBT Provider. We noted that the lists of emissions from June 2023 through October 2023 totalized $36,181,839, in accordance with a list from SAIC. Emissions from the Service EBT Provider and accounting records presented expenditures in the amount of $36,328,067, a total difference of $146,228. This difference represents 1,052 participants that are not in the list provided from SAIC, but whose benefits were issued according to the reports from the Service EBT Provider. In relation to the evaluation of the eligibility requirements, we noted that 27 participants were duplicated in the lists from SAIC. In addition, we were unable to verify if the participant attended a private school that participated in the NSLP, because no evidence of the lists from the Puerto Rico Department of Education was provided. QUESTIONED COSTS $146,228. This amount is the total amount of benefits issued for 1,052 participants whose information was not provided. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION These deficiencies are a systemic problem that is related to lack of proper training and segregation of duties when reporting (preparer and reviewer not being the same person). No proper internal controls are in place to ensure that all data used to issue the benefits is safeguarded and properly reconciled with accounting records. STATEMENT OF CAUSE ADSEF did not establish and implement adequate internal controls to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and supervisory review of financial information used in the preparation of Federal reports. In addition, financial data reported to the Federal agency was not consistently reconciled to the supporting accounting records and database prior to submission. Furthermore, no proper records are maintained of the data used to issue the benefits and how the reconciliation process from the SAIC system and benefits processed by the Service EBT Provider is made. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting records, along with lack of supervisory review, create a risk that Federal reports are inaccurate, incomplete, or unsupported, resulting in noncompliance with Federal reporting requirements. We were unable to verify the complete lists of beneficiaries of the P-EBT. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING This is a repeat of a finding reported in the prior audit as Finding Numbers 2023-001/2023-029. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that management establish an internal control process that includes having more than one person review the reports submitted to the Federal government. In addition, we recommend proper internal controls that require a structured process of compiling, reviewing and safeguarding all required data for benefits issued.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2024-023 (See Finding Reference Number 2024-004) FEDERAL PROGRAMS (ALN – 10.566) NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FOR PUERTO RICO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (ALN – 93.558) TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) (ALN – 93.560) PAYMENT TO TERRITORIES – ADULT (ALN – 93.568) LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD NUMBERS 231PR426S7003/4; 241PR426S7003/4 (Federal Award Years: 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2024) 2022G996117; 2023996117 (Federal Award Years: 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2023) 2401PRTANF1 (Federal Award Years: 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2026) 2301PRTABD; 2401PRTABD (Federal Award Years: 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2026) 2201PRLIEA; 2301PRLIEA; 2401PRLIEA (Federal Award Years: 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2025) ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAMILY (ADSEF, BY ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT ALLOWABLE COSTS/COSTS PRINCIPLES TYPE OF FINDING INTERNAL CONTROL AND COMPLIANCE – MATERIAL WEAKNESS AND MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE CRITERIA Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200 §200.302, Financial Management, establishes that: “(a) 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. (See § 200.450). (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following (see §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337): (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) 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. All records must be supported by source documentation. (4) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. See § 200.303. (5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award. (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.” STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our audit procedures, we conducted an analysis of the process used to distribute administrative costs among the various programs administered by ADSEF. Administrative expenses are distributed based on a methodology called "Random Moment Sampling" (RMS). We identified the following deficiencies in the implementation and execution of this process: i. There is no written procedure that outlines the process for applying this formula for distributing administrative expenses. ii. There is no standardized monitoring or communication to ensure that employees who are required to complete this form are fully assigned to the roles subject to this process. In other words, the Human Resources Department or the Appointments Office do not communicate periodically or whenever a staff change occurs, in order to adjust the population subject to this questionnaire. iii. Among the options provided for responding to the RMS survey, three options are not assigned to a Federal program. These options include licenses; other types of work not directly tied to a Federal program function for which administrative expenses can be allocated. According to the State Plan, 3,300 questionnaires will be administered for functions performed by employees who are not at the central level, and 300 for employees who are at the central level. Two quarters of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 fiscal year were observed, in which these three options represented between 25% and 18% for local offices and 38% at the central level. Because these options are not tied to a Federal program function, they reduce the percentage to zero and redistribute the percentage among Federal programs. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION We consider this deficiency a systemic problem. This allocation of administrative expenses is made quarterly; however, the adjustment in the accounting system (PRIFAS) is not necessarily made in the same period. The administrative expenses of each program contain the redistribution of expenses not assigned to a Federal program. STATEMENT OF CAUSE ADSEF does not have a written procedure establishing the process for implementing and monitoring the execution of this methodology. Additionally, among the responses regarding functions performed, time may be allocated to functions not related to Federal programs. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT They lack a standardized process that ensures that the methodology used allocates reasonable administrative costs among Federal programs, ensures that the distribution base is complete, and is periodically monitored. Furthermore, by redistributing the percentage of responses not directly related to a Federal program function, administrative costs could be claimed from Federal programs that should likely be allocated to state funds. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING This is a repeat of a finding reported in the prior audit as Finding Numbers 2023-004/2023-032. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that management establish a written internal control procedure that provides certainty, monitoring frequency, data validation, and responsibilities for those responsible for executing this process. Additionally, it should be considered that there are functions performed by the personnel in charge of answering the RMS that are not directly linked to a Federal program and should be assigned to state funds.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2024-024 (See Finding Reference Number 2024-005) FEDERAL PROGRAMS (ALN – 10.566) NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FOR PUERTO RICO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (ALN – 93.558) TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD NUMBERS 231PR426S7003/4 (Federal Award Years: 10/01/2022 through 09/30/2023); 241PR426S7003/4 (Federal Award Years: 10/01/2023 through 09/30/2024) 2023996117 (Federal Award Years: 10/01/2022 through 09/30/2023) ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAMILY (ADSEF, BY ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT ALLOWABLE COSTS/COSTS PRINCIPLES TYPE OF FINDING INTERNAL CONTROL AND COMPLIANCE – MATERIAL WEAKNESS AND MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE CRITERIA Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200 §200.302, Financial Management, establishes that: “(a) 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. (See § 200.450). (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following (see §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337): (1) Identification of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number, year the Federal award was issued, and name of the Federal agency or pass-through entity. (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. When a Federal agency or pass-through entity requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient or subrecipient that maintains its records other than on an accrual basis, the recipient or subrecipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient or subrecipient may develop accrual data for its reports based on an analysis of the documentation on hand. (3) 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. All records must be supported by source documentation. … (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.” STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our audit procedures, we requested evidence of the indirect costs transactions. ADSEF is allowed to claim 16.80% of indirect costs. As part of our audit procedures over the Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico and TANF program, we selected some transactions to evaluate the compliance with the indirect cost’s claims. The TANF program reported three (3) transactions related to indirect costs in the amount of $569,998.55, and for the Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico three (3) transactions were reported in the amount of $4,815,418.41. We requested evidence of one (1) transaction for the TANF program and one (1) for the Nutrition Assistance for Puerto Rico, no evidence of class object was provided in order to ascertain that only allowable expenditure transactions were considered in the calculation and claim of indirect costs. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION We consider this deficiency a systemic problem. ADSEF does not have an internal control process that allows for proper authorization and monitoring of the claims made for indirect costs. STATEMENT OF CAUSE ADSEF does not have a written procedure establishing the process for claiming and documenting indirect costs claims. The process of recording indirect costs is based on an excel spreadsheet, no detail of costs indicating the class object and transactions considered are maintained. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT Indirect costs calculation may include unallowable costs and not be detected timely. ADSEF cannot provide proper audit evidence of the amounts claimed as indirect costs. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING This is a repeat of a finding reported in the prior audit as Finding Numbers 2023-005/2023-033. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that management establish internal control processes to reconcile PRIFAS and the various sources of information used for reporting. Additionally, maintain clear records of indirect costs claimed and awarded.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2024-025 FEDERAL PROGRAMS (ALN – 93.556) MARYLEE ALLEN PROMOTING SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES (ALN – 93.667) SOCIAL SERVICES BLOCK GRANT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD NUMBERS 2203PRFPSS; 2303PRFPSC; 2202PRFPCV; 2302PRFPCV; 2302PRPKIN (Federal Award Years: 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2023) 2211PRSOSR; 2311PRSOSR (Federal Award Years: 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2024) ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN (ADFAN, BY ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT ALLOWABLE COSTS/COSTS PRINCIPLES // CASH MANAGEMENT TYPE OF FINDING INTERNAL CONTROL – SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY CRITERIA Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200 §200.302, Financial Management, establishes that: “(a) 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. (See § 200.450). (b) The recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following (see §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337): … (6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. (7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.” STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our audit procedures, we verified the requirements for the written procedures policies, and we didn’t obtain by ADFAN the required documentation. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION This deficiency is a systemic problem that is related to written policies and procedures. STATEMENT OF CAUSE ADFAN has not established a work plan to maintain the written procedures policies required by the Uniform Guidance. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The absence of written procedures may lead to inconsistent program implementation, unclear assignment of responsibilities, and inadequate oversight. This increases the risk of noncompliance with applicable regulations, inefficiencies in operations, and reduced effectiveness in achieving program objectives. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING This is a repeat of a finding reported in the prior audit as Finding Numbers 2023-006/2023-034. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that ADFAN develop, formalize, and implement comprehensive written procedures for the programs to comply with the Uniform Guidance. These procedures should clearly define roles and responsibilities, establish operational workflows, and include mechanisms for monitoring and compliance. Doing so will help ensure consistency in program execution, accountability, and alignment with regulatory and performance requirements.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2024-026 (See Finding Reference Number 2024-006) FEDERAL PROGRAM (ALN – 93.568) LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AWARD NUMBERS 2201PRLIEA (Federal Award Year: 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2023) 2301PRLIEA (Federal Award Year: 10/1/2022 – 9/30/2024) 2401PRLIEA (Federal Award Year: 10/1/2023 – 9/30/2025) 2301PRLIEE (Federal Award Year: 10/1/2022 – 9/30/2024) 2301PRLIEI (Federal Award Year: 10/1/2022 – 9/30/2024) ADMINISTRATION ADMINISTRATION FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAMILY (ADSEF, BY ITS SPANISH ACRONYM) COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT CASH MANAGEMENT TYPE OF FINDING INTERNAL CONTROL AND COMPLIANCE – MATERIAL WEAKNESS AND MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE CRITERIA Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.302, requires recipient's and subrecipient's financial management system must provide for the following: (3) 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. All records must be supported by source documentation; (4) effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and assets. The recipient or subrecipient must safeguard all assets and ensure they are used solely for authorized purposes. See § 200.303; and (6) written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305. 2 CFR 200.305, Federal Payments, establishes that: (a) payments for States are governed by Treasury-State Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA) agreements and default procedures codified at 31 CFR part 205 and Treasury Financial Manual (TFM) 4A-2000, “Overall Disbursing Rules for All Federal Agencies”; (b) for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. See § 200.302(b)(6). Except as noted in this part, the Federal agency must require recipients to use only OMB-approved, government-wide information collections to request payment. STATEMENT OF CONDITION As part of our understanding of internal controls and compliance regarding cash management, we obtained a procedures manual. We found the following deficiencies: 1. The effective date is April 2024. 2. In the section describing the LIHEAP process, the US Department of Agriculture is mentioned instead of the US Department of Health and Human Services. 3. It does not identify the personnel responsible for the processes to establish segregation of duties. 4. In our interviews it was noted that only one person is in charge of all drawdowns, and no proper supervision or review of the documentation is performed. In addition, a detail of the requests related to the program was obtained; however, this request information does not reconcile with the revenue recognized in PRIFAS. The following deficiencies were identified: 1. The document includes amounts identified as LIHEAP, which belongs to another Federal program, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (ALN 93.499), in the amount of $295,354.51. 2. Three (3) deposits were included in the detail that were not recorded in PRIFA in the amount of $491,243.33. 3. Three (3) deposits were included in PRIFA that were not included in the detail in the amount of $502,901.10. From a population of fifty (50) revenue transactions, six (6) transactions were selected to ensure that the correct amounts were requested from the Federal program and that the documents indicated in the manual were included with each petition. The following deficiencies were observed: 1. The documents included do not contain signatures from the personnel who perform each process. 2. The documentation included in the manual does not match the documentation included in the documents submitted with each petition. 3. In two (2) requests, the form DF-155, “Request for Federal Funds” was not included as part of the documentation. 4. A form used, IF-8, does not have a sequence number. The document does not provide for signatures, in addition, it makes reference to the Governmental Development Bank, which closed in 2017. 5. In two (2) requests, no detail of the liquidation of benefits was included, only an Excel document. 6. We were unable to determine whether the drawdown was a reimbursement or an advance. 7. We noted that in one drawdown in the amount of $8,014,770, had a note in the documentation indicating that this request is made and pending of the final certification or closeout of the grant from the federal reporting area. 8. In another drawdown in the amount of $832,397.50, the document identified as DF-155 was completed requesting the amount of $1,515,694.80. Although, in handwriting is a comment indicating that this drawdown is partial in order to comply with Puerto Rico Treasury Department, therefore, only the amount of $1,036,663.43 is requested. This amount is also adjusted by $204,265.93, ending with a balance of $832,397.50. No evidence of the adjustment was included. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION This is a systemic deficiency. The lack of proper training and updated information to all personnel with the responsibility of determining, supervising, and monitoring the eligibility determinations and follow-up affects this requirement. The sampling was a statistical valid sample. STATEMENT OF CAUSE ADSEF does not have a procedures manual that clearly establishes a segregation of duties, demonstrating compliance with the required internal control components. No standardized process is in place requiring documentation to be included, reviews and approvals of all requests for federal funds. POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT The program may be requesting funds in excess of cash needs, or a reimbursement for funds not previously expended. The lack of internal controls may result in the program to be on a reimbursement basis. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING This is a repeat of a finding reported in the prior audit as Finding Numbers 2023-007/2023-035. RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that management establish a written internal controls process that demonstrates compliance with cash management requirements and appropriate segregation of duties, and training to all areas regarding this compliance.