FINDING 2025-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X; 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-056-PN01, 22611-056-ARP, 22619-056-PN01, 22619-056-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Proportionate share is an amount of funds that must be expended on special education/related services for parentally placed private school and homeschooled students. The amount to be spent is automatically calculated within each grant application. The School Corporation had not designed, nor implemented, policies and procedures to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic students was met for each grant. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22611-056-PN01, 22619-056-PN01, 22611-056-ARP, and 22619-056-ARP grants were not spent in full, and the School Corporation did not file a waiver, which, if approved, would have allowed the funds to be moved and spent under the regular Part B special education scope. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 26 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause The School Corporation did not request a waiver so that unused preschool funds could be carried over to Part B of the program. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls enabled noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement could result in the loss of future funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 27 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-005 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-056-PN01, 22611-056-ARP, 22619-056-PN01, 22619-056-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a similar finding from the immediately prior audit reports. The prior audit finding numbers were 2021-002 and 2023-003. Condition and Context Procurement - Small Purchases Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for goods or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is customarily set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. If it is determined a single source provider can be used for a small purchase, documentation must be retained supporting the determination. There were 23 vendors identified that fell within the small purchase's threshold. Of those vendors, 4 were selected for testing. For each of those 4 vendors tested that fell within the small purchases threshold, the School Corporation did not obtain an adequate number of price or rate quotations to ensure the procurements provided full and open competition. In addition, history of the procurements which would include the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of the vendor, and basis for price was not documented. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 28 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Procurement - Simplified Acquisition When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000; however, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold, and, therefore, the threshold the SAT is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. One vendor was identified that fell within the SAT, with total purchases of $165,816. Sealed bids or competitive proposals were not obtained, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 29 METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not in place to ensure that bids were solicited before entering into a contract or that quotes were obtained. The School Corporation was unaware of the requirement to solicit bids for contracts that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. Additionally, they were unaware of the requirement to obtain an adequate number of quotes for purchases that exceeded the small purchase threshold. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to for procurements that fell within the small purchase threshold. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods for small purchases and simplified acquisition purchases. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: COVID-19 Coronavirus Relief Fund Assistance Listing Number: 21.019 Award Period: March 3, 2021 – December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency over Compliance and Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR 200.303 requires non-federal entities to establish and maintain internal control designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statutes and regulations, including procedures to verify and document vendor eligibility. 2 CFR 200.214 requires verification that vendors are not suspended or debarred prior to entering into covered transactions. Condition: The City does not have a documented control to perform and retain evidence of suspension and debarment verification (e.g., SAM.gov check or vendor certification) at the time of entering into covered transactions funded by federal awards. Management indicated that vendor eligibility checks are performed as part of standard operating practice; however, documentation evidencing the timing and performance of these checks was not retained. Questioned costs: None. Context: Four of the five covered transactions selected did not have proper supporting documentation for suspension and debarment procedures. Cause: For three of the transactions tested, the City relied on cooperative purchasing agreements. Accordingly, the City did not perform or retain documentation of its own suspension and debarment verification. For the remaining transaction, documentation evidencing suspension and debarment compliance was not retained. Effect: The City did not have a documented control to perform and retain evidence of suspension and debarment verification at the time of award, as required by 2 CFR 200.303. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the City obtain certifications from vendors stating their organization is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal assistance programs or document the procedures performed to verify the vendor is not identified as suspended or debarred on SAM.gov. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
FINDING 2025-001 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility 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): S010A220014, S010A230014, S010A240014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the enrollment and poverty data as reported by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and the School Corporation in the Title I application. Public School (Local Educational Agency) Eligibility for Title I is determined on the Eligible School Summary of the Title I application. Enrollment and poverty numbers for the public school district are automatically pulled from the IDOE's Official Pupil Enrollment (PE) count for each school into the Eligible School Summary page of the Title I application. These counts are based upon the School Corporation's records as of October of the prior fiscal year. The School Corporation had not established a process of review of the Eligibility Summary in the Title I application for the student enrollment and poverty counts. There was no documentation of the School Corporation verifying the enrollment and poverty counts in the Title I application. Nonpublic Schools Enrollment and poverty numbers for any nonpublic schools are manually entered into the application by the School Corporation. The School Corporation established a process to receive and review the listing of students from the nonpublic schools for enrollment and poverty counts to be entered into the Title I application. However, the internal controls were ineffective as the School Corporation requested to receive a listing of poverty student counts only; the list of enrolled nonpublic students was not reported into the Tile I application. Therefore, we were unable to determine if the enrolled student count in the application was accurate. 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: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 14 SCHOOL TOWN OF SPEEDWAY SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (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). . . ." 34 CFR 200.78(a)(1) states: "After reserving funds, as applicable, under § 200.77, including funds for equitable services for private school students, their teachers, and their families, an LEA must allocate funds under this subpart to school attendance areas and schools, identified as eligible and selected to participate under section 1113(a) or (b) of the ESEA, in rank order on the basis of the total number of public school children from low-income families in each area or school." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to affect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, documentation was not available to determine if the enrollment and poverty counts for the public or nonpublic data in the Title I application was accurate. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure documentation is retained to support information in the Title I application for the public and nonpublic enrollment and poverty counts. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-002 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2023-001. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed a system of internal controls in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. A property record or capital asset listing is required to be maintained for all equipment purchased with the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant award to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to prevent loss or damage of items. Equipment is to be included in the capital asset listing when valued over $5,000. The School Corporation maintained a detailed listing of capital assets; however, the capital asset listing provided did not identify which assets were purchased with federal dollars, the federal award identification number, or the percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired. One identifiable capital asset purchased using federal dollars was omitted from the School Corporation's detailed listing of capital assets. 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 16 SCHOOL TOWN OF SPEEDWAY SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." Cause The School Corporation's management was unaware of the recording requirements for equipment and real property obtained through the use of federal awards or that an asset got omitted from its capital asset record. Any assets, obtained through the use of federal monies, are not immediately identifiable due to the omission of the federal award identification number field. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls placed the School Corporation in noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. The School Corporation's capital asset listing did not include all information required for assets acquired with federal funds. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls that would ensure compliance with the Equipment and Real Property compliance requirement and update the capital asset listing include the missing asset as well as to include all required information. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-003 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425D Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425D210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2023-002. Condition and Context Construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must pay wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) to its laborers and mechanics. Nonfederal entities are to include in its construction contracts subject to the wage rate requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with these requirements and the DOL regulations. This would include a requirement to submit a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the entity for each week in which contract work was performed. The School Corporation did not maintain policies or procedures ensuring that construction contracts in excess of $2,000 paid from federal grant funds included a prevailing wage rate clause prior to management signing the contract. Four of the six construction and manufacturing vendors, paid from the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant funds, were tested to verify the inclusion of the Davis Bacon Wage Rate clause. None of these contracts contained the required prevailing wage rate clause. There were 15 required weekly payrolls due from the six construction and manufacturing vendors paid from the COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund grant funds. A sample of 4 of these were tested to verify that the vendor submitted a copy of the payroll and statement of compliance to the School Corporation and the requirement was only complied with in 1 instance. 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: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 SCHOOL TOWN OF SPEEDWAY SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (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). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: "(a) Required contract clauses. The Agency head will cause or require the contracting officer to require the contracting officer to [sic] insert in full, or (for contracts covered by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1)) by reference, in any contract in excess of $2,000 which is entered into for the actual construction, alteration and/or repair, including painting and decorating, of a public building or public work, or building or work financed in whole or in part from Federal funds or in accordance with guarantees of a Federal agency or financed from funds obtained by pledge of any contract of a Federal agency to make a loan, grant or annual contribution (except where a different meaning is expressly indicated), and which is subject to the labor standards provisions of any of the laws referenced by § 5.1, the following clauses . . . (1) Minimum wages— (i) Wage rates and fringe benefits. All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or otherwise working in construction or development of the project under a development statute), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of basic hourly wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics. . . . (3) Records and certified payrolls— . . . (ii) Certified payroll requirements— (A) Frequency and method of submission. The contractor or subcontractor must submit weekly, for each week in which any DBA- or Related Acts-covered work is performed, certified payrolls to the [write in name of appropriate Federal agency] if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the certified payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, owner, or other entity, as the case may be, that maintains such records, for transmission to the [write in name of agency]." 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: "In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SCHOOL TOWN OF SPEEDWAY SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non- Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, 'Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction'). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week. . . ." Cause The School Corporation officials were unaware of the requirements to include wage rate requirements (Davis Bacon) provisions in the respective renovation contracts and obtain weekly certified payrolls from the contractors throughout the renovation period. Effect The lack of an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance with the grant agreement and the aforementioned compliance requirement to occur and remain undetected. Lack of compliance could result in contractors paying wages below those required by the DOL regulations. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls and include the wage rate requirement clause in federally funded construction or renovation contracts. In addition, we recommended certified payrolls should be obtained as required for all federally funded construction or renovation contracts in excess of $2,000. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
2025 – 001: National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) Reporting Federal agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal program title: Student Financial Aid Cluster ALN Number: 84.063, 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number: P063P241568, P063Q241568, P2687K251568, P268K261568 Award Period: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Internal Control – Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should 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). Compliance: 1. The Code of Federal Regulations, consisting of 34 CFR 685.309 and 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2), requires that enrollment status changes for students be reported to NSLDS within 30 days or within 60 days if the student with the status change will be reported on a scheduled transmission within 60 days of the change in status. Additionally, schools are required to certify enrollment at a minimum of every 60 days or every other month. 2. The Code of Federal Regulations, consisting of 34 CFR 685.309 and 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2), requires certain student enrollment information be reported to the Department of Education. Information provided to the Department of Education should agree to the institution’s records. Condition: The change in status was not reported timely to the NSLDS. Questioned costs: None Context: This condition occurred for 3 out of 24 students Cause: The Registrar's Office has been through several transitions over the past five years and training has been inadequate during this period. Specifically, there was not sufficient training on enrollment submissions, error resolutions, and timely updates. Effect: The NSLDS system is not updated timely with the student information which may cause over awarding should the student transfer to another institution and the students may not properly enter the repayment period. Repeat Finding: Yes, 2024-001 Recommendation: We recommend the College review its reporting procedures to ensure that students’ statuses are accurately and timely reported to NSLDS as required by regulations. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care, Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.267, Federal awards MN0238L5K002209, MN0238L5K002310, MN0448L5K002203, MN0448L5K002304, MN0457L5K012203, MN0457L5K012304, MN0449L5K002201, and MN0449L5K002302 included under Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.267 on the Schedule Special Tests and Provisions Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. When grant funds are used by Catholic Charities to pay for rent, Catholic Charities must ensure that the rents do not exceed rents currently being charged by the same owner for comparable unassisted units and the portion of grant funds may not exceed HUD-determined fair market rents. These calculations should be reviewed prior to the rent being paid. Condition: During our testing, we identified eight instances where the participant’s file had incomplete or inaccurate documentation of review and approval for the rent reasonableness test. Cause: Catholic Charities’ internal controls did not operate as designed, which resulted in rent reasonableness tests not being reviewed before the rent was paid. Effect: Inadequate internal controls over compliance could result in noncompliance with the federal program. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of 10 tenants were selected out of 56 tenants for rent reasonableness testing. Repeat Finding from Prior Years: Yes, 2024-001 Recommendation: We recommend management revise their internal control procedures with applicable employees to make sure that all rent reasonableness tests are performed and reviewed by the appropriate personnel prior to the rent being paid. Views of Responsible Officials: Management is in agreement with this finding.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care, Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.267, Affects all grant awards included under Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.267 on the Schedule Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides 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 200.318 maintains that recipients must have and use documented procurement policies and must conform to procurement standards in sections 200.317 through 200.327. Condition: Catholic Charities has documented procurement and suspension and debarment procedures that conform to applicable federal standards regarding procurement and testing vendors for suspension and debarment; however, the procedures were not followed for four vendors selected for testing for procurement and one for suspension and debarment. Cause: Catholic Charities did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure that the processes laid out in their procurement policy regarding the process of obtaining quotes to support procurement and testing vendors for suspension and debarment were followed. Effect: Payments could be made to vendors who have higher costs than other vendors or who were suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of 17 vendors out of 83 total transactions were selected for testing, which accounted for $81,494 of $681,188 federal program expenditures. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): Yes, 2024-002 Recommendation: We recommend Catholic Charities enhance internal control procedures to ensure all procurement and suspension and debarment verification procedures are performed prior to entering into the transactions. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care, Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.267, Affects all grant awards included under Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.267 on the Schedule Activities Allowed or Unallowed/Allowable Cost Principles, Matching and Earmarking, Period of Performance Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Internal control procedures should ensure expenses and other records tracking allowable costs, allowable activities, period of performance, indirect expenses, matching and earmarking are approved and the approval is documented in a timely manner. Condition: Catholic Charities has documented review procedures that conform to applicable federal standards regarding activities allowed or unallowed, allowable cost principles, matching, earmarking, and period of performance. However, the procedures were not followed for 34 of 60 selections for expense items, seven of 12 employees tested for payroll expenditures did not have documented approval on the allocation rate applied, as well as two of three months selected for testing for matching, earmarking, and indirect expenses. Additionally, for four of 12 employees errors in the payroll calculations were identified that were not corrected or identified by Catholic Charities and for one employee there was no evidence of approval on the hours paid for two pay periods during the year. Cause: Catholic Charities’ internal controls did not operate as designed, which resulted in transactions not being reviewed timely or the review process not being formally documented and maintained. Effect: Inadequate internal controls over compliance could result in noncompliance with the federal program. Questioned Costs: None reported.Context/Sampling: Activities Allowed or Unallowed/Allowable Cost Principles and Period of Performance: Expenses: A nonstatistical sample of 60 transactions out of 2,324 total transactions were selected for testing, which accounted for $23,406 of $681,188 federal program expenditures. Payroll expenses: A nonstatistical sample of 12 employees out of 61 were selected for testing, which accounted for $196,230 of $473,784 federal program expenditures. Indirect expenses: A nonstatistical sample of three months out of 12 were selected for testing. Matching and Earmarking: A nonstatistical sample of three months out of 12 were selected for testing. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): No Recommendation: We recommend Catholic Charities enhance internal control procedures to ensure the control process is properly supported and the documentation is retained. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care, Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.267, Federal awards MN0308L5K012209, MN0203L5K002308, MN0399L5K012205, MN0448L5K002203, MN0457L5K012203, and MN0449L5K002302 included under Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.267 on the Schedule Activities Allowed or Unallowed/Allowable Cost Principles and Period of Performance Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition: Catholic Charities has documented review procedures that conform to applicable federal standards regarding indirect expenses; however, the procedures failed to detect that indirect costs were billed at the wrong rate as allowed under uniform guidance. Cause: Catholic Charities did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure that the de minimis rates were appropriately billed as allowed under uniform guidance. Effect: Inadequate internal controls over compliance could result in noncompliance with the federal program. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of three months out of 12 were selected for testing. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): No. Recommendation: We recommend Catholic Charities enhance internal control procedures to ensure all indirect cost are correctly calculated and billed. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care, Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.267, Federal awards MN0308L5K012310, MN0203L5K002308, MN0203L5K002409, MN0399L5K012306, MN0448L5K002203, and MN0448L5K002304 included under Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.267 on the Schedule Earmarking Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance and Noncompliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition: Catholic Charities has documented review procedures that conform to applicable federal standards regarding earmarking; however, the procedures failed to detect that administrative costs billed exceeded the 10% allowed under uniform guidance. Cause: Catholic Charities did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure that the administrative costs were appropriately billed as allowed under uniform guidance. Effect: Inadequate internal controls over compliance could result in noncompliance with the federal program. Questioned Costs: MN0308L5K012310 for $7,709; MN0203L5K002308 for $1,480; MN0203L5K002409 for $139; MN0399L5K012306 for $5,679; MN0448L5K002203 for $1,065; and MN0448L5K002304 for $1,234 Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of three months out of 12 were selected for testing. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): No. Recommendation: We recommend Catholic Charities enhance internal control procedures to ensure all administrative costs are correctly calculated and billed. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
FINDING 2025-003 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility 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): S010A220014, S010A230014, S010A240014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Eligibility for Title I is determined on the Eligible School Summary of the Tile I application. Enrollment and Poverty numbers are automatically pulled from the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE) Official Pupil Enrollment count for each school into the Eligible School Summary page of the Tile I application. These counts that are pre-populated should be based on the School Corporation's records as of October of the prior fiscal year. One person compiled and uploaded enrollment data, including poverty status for Real Time reports, to the IDOE without a documented oversight or review process to ensure that the information was accurate. In addition, there was no documented review by the School Corporation of the enrollment and poverty counts that were pre-populated into the School Corporation's Title I grant application. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue 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). . . ." Cause Due to turnover at the School Corporation, a proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to effect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 SALEM COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Enrollment and poverty counts that are not reviewed for accuracy could result in incorrect eligibility determinations. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that the information entered into the Title I application was accurate. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-004 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate 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): S010A220014, S010A230014, S010A240014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Special Tests and Provisions - Annual Report Card, High School Graduation Rate compliance requirement. The School Corporation must report graduation rate data for all public high schools within the School Corporation using the four-year adjusted cohort rate. To remove a student from the cohort, the School Corporation must confirm the reason for removal in writing. Additionally, required documentation for each removal type must be retained by the School Corporation. The School Corporation did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that documentation for each removal was retained. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SALEM COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Documentation of the reason for removal from the cohort was not retained for six of the eight students selected for testing. The School Corporation was unable to locate documentation for any students who exited the cohort prior to the current high school counselor taking her position. 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). . . ." 20 USC 7801(23)(B) states: "To remove a student from a cohort, a school or local educational agency shall require documentation, or obtain documentation from the State educational agency, to confirm that the student has transferred out, emigrated to another country, or transferred to a prison or juvenile facility, or is deceased." 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. . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation to ensure documentation was retained for the required period of time. When turnover occurred, the required files were not retained or could not be located. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, proper documentation to support students' mobility was not retained or provided for audit. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SALEM COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure mobility documentation is collected and retained for audit. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-005 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance to ensure that reimbursement requests were properly supported. The documentation provided to the reviewer was not sufficient to detect and correct unsupported or duplicate amounts requested for reimbursement. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue 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 21 SALEM COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation to ensure reimbursement requests were properly supported. Documentation or listings provided to support the amounts requested for reimbursement were not always generated from the School Corporation's financial system, so they were not sufficient to properly detect and correct errors. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. This could result in incorrect amounts being requested for reimbursement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management strengthen its system of internal controls to ensure reports are properly supported by the records and are accurate. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Finding: Material Weakness Condition and Context Local educational agencies that receive funds under the American Rescue Plan - Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER III) are to reserve not less than 20 percent of the funds to address learning loss through the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning or summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive afterschool programs, or extended school year programs, and ensure that such interventions respond to students' academic, social, and emotional needs, and address the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on the student subgroups. This requirement was set out in enabling legislation for the funds and further implemented in the Education Stabilization Relief Fund Application III, which the School Corporation was required to complete for its award. The Treasurer maintained a spreadsheet of learning loss expenses, but there was no documented internal control in place to ensure earmarking requirements were met. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SALEM COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of internal controls was isolated to the ESSER III grant noted above. 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). . . ." Cause The spreadsheet maintained by the Treasurer to monitor earmarking was reviewed by a second person, but that review was not documented. Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of ensuring compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, and Earmarking compliance requirement and to ensure the internal controls were properly documented. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-007 Subject: BRIC: Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Homeland Security Federal Program: BRIC: Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Assistance Listings Number: 97.047 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): PDMC-PJ-05-IN-2018-003, PDMC-PJ-05-IN-2018-007 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Homeland Security Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Cash Management, Reporting, Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Finding: Material Weakness INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 SALEM COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2023-006. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance. Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Cash Management, Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program expenditures were to be used for costs associated with building "safe rooms" at the School Corporation's middle school and high school. The School Corporation provided paid claims to a grant administrator, who then prepared and filed reimbursement requests on behalf of the School Corporation. The School Corporation relied on the grant administrator to determine if costs submitted on the paid claims were allowable, in conformance with the cost principles, and adhered to the cash management and matching requirements of the grant. Once the claims were provided to the grant administrator, there was no oversight or review from the School Corporation. Reporting Quarterly performance reports were required to be filed electronically with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The grant administrator prepared and submitted the required quarterly reports without any oversight or review from the School Corporation. The lack of internal controls was a systemic issue 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). . . ." Cause The School Corporation relied on a grant administrator to ensure compliance; when they became aware that additional review and oversight of the School Corporation was required, the majority of the activity for the grant was already complete. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SALEM COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Without the proper design or implementation of the components of a system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are taking place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 23-24, FY 24-25 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 NORTHWEST ALLEN COUNTY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2023-002. Condition and Context Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the School Corporation and inspection of supporting documentation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, it was identified that the School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that its policies and procedures over suspension and debarment were completed. The lack of effective internal controls was a systemic issue 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). . . ." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed and implemented by management of the School Corporation. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 NORTHWEST ALLEN COUNTY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls to ensure that its policies and procedures over suspension and debarment were completed. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-002 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2023-2024, FY2024-2025 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. The School Corporation's salary ordinance for classified staff reported the beginning wage rate and not the current wage rate. As a result, 11 of the 13 payroll disbursements sampled for classified employees did not agree with the School Corporation's salary ordinance, which totaled $714. This amount was considered questioned costs. The lack of effective 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 16 MACONAQUAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, 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. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause The School Corporation was not aware of the need for reporting the current wage rate within its salary ordinance. Effect Payroll disbursements for classified employees paid from the grant did not agree with the School Corporation's salary ordinance. As a result, known questioned costs of $714 were identified in the Condition and Context. Questioned Costs Known questioned costs of $714 were identified as described above in the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management report the current wage rate within its salary ordinance and establish effective internal controls to ensure costs are adequately documented. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-003 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 MACONAQUAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation's salary ordinance for classified staff reported the beginning wage rate and not the current wage rate. As a result, six of the seven payroll disbursements sampled for classified employees did not agree with the School Corporation's salary ordinance, which totaled $952. This amount was considered questioned costs. The lack of effective 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). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, 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. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause The School Corporation was not aware of the need for reporting the current wage rate within its salary ordinance. Effect Payroll disbursements for classified employees paid from the grant did not agree with the School Corporation's salary ordinance. As a result, known questioned costs of $952 were identified in the Condition and Context. Questioned Costs Known questioned costs in the amount of $952 were identified as described above in the Condition and Context. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 MACONAQUAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that School Corporation's management report the current wage rate within its salary ordinance and establish effective internal controls to ensure costs are adequately documented. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-004 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Local Education Agencies must set aside at least 20 percent of ESSER III (ARP) funding for evidence-based activities to address learning loss. According to guidance from the Indiana Department of Education, summer programming, afterschool, and extended school day are examples, but they are not the only allowable activities to address learning loss and accelerate learning. Additionally, allowable activities that are deemed necessary to carry out the activities to address learning loss, such as transportation or staffing, may also be budgeted as an activity to address learning loss. Although the School Corporation budgeted 20 percent of its program expenditures for learning loss activities in its grant application, it did not differentiate, code, or track learning loss expenditures separately from non-learning loss activity expenditures. As a result, we could not identify whether 20 percent of the $684,357 total ESSER III allocation received by the School Corporation was used for learning loss activities. The lack of effective internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues both during the audit period and since the beginning of the grant award. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 MACONAQUAH SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (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). . . ." Section 2001(e)(1) of the ARP Act states in part: "A local educational agency that receives funds under this section— (1) shall reserve not less than 20 percent of such funds to address learning loss through the implementation of evidence-based interventions, such as summer learning or summer enrichment, extended day, comprehensive afterschool programs, or extended school year programs, and ensure that such interventions respond to students' academic, social, and emotional needs and address the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on the student subgroups . . ." Cause The School Corporation's financial management system was not set up to separately track program expenditures relating to learning loss activities. Effect As a result of the School Corporation not separately tracking program expenditures relating to learning loss activities, we were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence on which to base our opinion on the School Corporation's compliance with the earmarking requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management develop policies and procedures to separately track program expenditures relating to learning loss activities. In addition, we also recommended that the School Corporation's management establish effective internal controls to ensure that compliance with the earmarking requirement is documented and maintained. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-001 Subject: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers Assistance Listings Number: 84.287 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S287C220014, S287C230014, S287C240014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers grant is awarded to schools to provide opportunities for academic enrichment for children, particularly students who attend a high-poverty and lowperforming school. The program is intended to help students meet state and local academic achievement standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; to offer students a broad array of enrichment activities that reinforce and complement their regular academic programs; and to offer literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children. Program funds are intended to be used for activities that provide students with activities that complement the regular school-day program of participating students and also fund local activities that are included as part of an expanded learning time (ELT) program that provides students at least 300 additional program hours before, during or after the traditional school day. A sample of 41 vouchers reimbursed by the Indiana Department of Education from the School Corporation's grant funds were selected for testing, consisting of 17 vendor claims and 24 payroll claims. Of the 17 vendor claims selected, 2 were for activities and costs that were determined to be unallowable. The first voucher was paid to NLB Sportswear to purchase 85 Sport-Tek Stripe Pom Pom Beanies in the amount of $1,190. The second voucher was paid to Shoup's Country Foods for a Staff Christmas Dinner in the amount of $1,504. We found 3 additional payments made to Shoup's Country Foods from grant funds during the audit period totaling an additional $3,209, 1 for a December 2024 Christmas dinner and 2 for a December 2023 Christmas dinner. The total amount of charges for these expenditures was $5,903, which we considered to be questioned costs. Internal controls over grant expenditures were not properly designed and implemented to detect and prevent the noncompliance noted above. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The recipient and subrecipient must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 14 CLINTON CENTRAL SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) 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. These internal controls should align with the guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control-Integrated Framework' issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, 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 federallyfinanced and other activities of the non-Federal entity. . . ." Cause The grant manager approved the expenses and directed that they be paid from this funding. The Treasurer, who reviewed all expenses, did not consider it appropriate to question the expenses because the grant manager had already approved them. Effect Without proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation made purchases for unallowable items. Examiners were unable to determine how these items benefited the program. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs Questioned costs in the amount of $5,903 were identified as described in the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation design and implement a proper system of internal controls, including documented policies and procedures, that would provide segregation of duties to ensure appropriate reviews, approvals, and oversight are obtained to support disbursements that are charged to the respective grants. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2025-002 Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425U Federal Award Numbers: S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: (1) Minimum wages. (Continued) PERRY CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025 48. Section III – Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (Continued) FINDING 2025-002 (Continued) (i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or under the United States Housing Act of 1937 or under the Housing Act of 1949 in the construction or development of the project), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics… (3)(ii)(A) The contractor shall submit weekly for each week in which any contract work is performed a copy of all payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, “Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction”). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week.. . .” Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation had one project for a bus garage addition that which was funded with ESSER III (84.425U) grant awards. The School Corporation did not execute a formal contract with the vendor as the transaction was under the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. As such, there was no internal controls to communicate required prevailing wage rate requirements to the vendor prior to entering into the transaction. The School Corporation did obtain the weekly wage reports from the vendor. The total project cost disbursed during the audit period was $88,727, which included materials and labor. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation implement a formal process to ensure the contracts are being completed with vendors and contain all of the necessary elements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Community Pr Foject unding Federal Financial Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.493 Compliance Requirements: Reporting Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Criteria: Uniform Guidance at 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 federal awards in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Effective internal control includes appropriate independent review of reports to ensure accuracy prior to submission. Condition: During our testing over the report submissions for the fiscal year, we noted there was not an independent review completed over the quarterly expenditure report. Cause: There was transition in several key roles during the fiscal year, causing the review not to be completed over the quarterly submissions. Effect: The two quarterly expenditure reports submitted during the fiscal year were not reviewed by someone independent of the individual preparing the reports. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of 3 reports out of a total of 5 submitted for the year. Repeat Finding from the Prior Year(s): No Recommendation: The College should ensure there is an independent review of all report submissions during the year to ensure accuracy prior to submission. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
Program: AL 12.401 – National Guard Military Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Projects – Cash Management & Reporting Grant Number & Year: Appendices – W91243-23-2-1001, FFY 2023; W91243-24-2-1001, FFY 2024; W91243-25-2-1024, FFY 2025; W91243-25-2-1001, FFY 2025; W91243-25-2-1021, FFY 2025 Federal Grantor Agency: U.S. Department of Defense Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 1128.100 and 2 CFR § 1128.200 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025), the Department of Defense adopted the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements set forth at 2 CFR parts 200.302, 200.303, and 200.305. Per 2 CFR § 200.303 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025), a non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award to provide reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Title 2 CFR § 200.302 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025) requires financial management systems of the State be sufficient to permit preparation of required reports and permit the tracing of funds to expenditures adequate to establish the use of these funds were in accordance with applicable regulations. EnterpriseOne is the official accounting system for the State of Nebraska, and all expenditures are generated from it. Per Title 2 CFR § 200.305(a) (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025), payments for States are governed by Treasury-State Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA) agreements and default procedures codified at 31 CFR part 205. National Guard Policy (NG Policy) 5-1, National Guard Grants and Cooperative Agreements, Section 11-5, Advance Payment Method, Section (5), states in part, “[T]he grantee agrees to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the U.S. Treasury and their disbursement by the State. (no more than 45 days).” GCAPL 20-02 AQ-A Policy (February 4, 2020) turned NGR 5-1 into NG Policy 5-1. It generally maintained the principles and operational aspects of NGR 5-1, except as provisions of the document were adjusted in the AQ-A Policy. The AQ-A Policy did not make any changes to the 45-day requirement found in NGR 5-1. The instructions for OMB Standard Form 270 (REV. 1/2016) include the following for line 11a: Enter program outlays to date (net of refunds, rebates, and discounts), in the appropriate columns. For requests prepared on a cash basis, outlays are the sum of actual cash disbursements for goods and services, the amount of indirect expenses charged, the value of in- kind contributions applied, and the amount of cash advances and payments made to subcontractors and subrecipients. A good internal control plan would include procedures to ensure the time between the drawdown of Federal funds and disbursements is minimized and in compliance with National Guard Regulations. Condition: The Agency was noncompliant with the Federal cash management requirements during the fiscal year and did not properly report program outlays on the OMB Standard Form (SF) 270. A similar finding was noted in the prior audit. Repeat Finding: 2024-066 Questioned Costs: None Statistical Sample: No Context: We tested five drawdowns of Federal funds to support the Agency’s operations. We tested to determine whether the Agency had expended the cumulative amounts drawn down for the awards tested within the required timeframe and noted the following: • Three drawdowns were noncompliant with NG Policy 5-1. Cumulative drawdowns for one of the draws were expended 63 days after the drawdown of the Federal funds. Cumulative draws for the other draws had yet to be fully expended as of January 8, 2026. The table below provides a summary of the three draws: See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. • For 5 of 5 SF-270’s tested, the Agency did not properly report total program outlays on the OMB SF-270 report. The Agency reported the total drawdowns for the program to date, rather than actual cash disbursements, as total program outlays. The variance between what was reported and what should have been reported ranged from an overreporting of $2,764 to an overreporting of $3,530,797, with a net total overreporting of expenditures by $4,074,284 for the five reports tested. Cause: Inadequate procedures for estimating fund needs for the upcoming month. Regarding SF-270 reporting, the Agency has stated it agrees with the finding; however, it has yet to implement corrective action. Effect: The Agency is noncompliant with Federal cash management and reporting requirements, which could result in sanctions. Additionally, there is an increased risk for the loss of Federal funding. Recommendation: We recommend the Agency ensure the amount of time between the Federal draw and the disbursement of funds by the State is minimized and in compliance with National Guard requirements. We also recommend the Agency report total program outlays in compliance with Federal requirements. Management Response: The Agency agrees with the finding. The drawdown timeline is a partial result of the variances in federal reimbursement functionalities and the advance state requirement function. Program obligations and liquidations are reconciled and reported on at least a quarterly basis with federal constituents.
Program: AL 10.561 – State Administrative Matching Grants for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; AL 93.558 – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; AL 93.563 – Child Support Services; AL 93.566 – Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs; AL 93.575 Child Care and Development Block Grant; AL 93.658 – Foster Care Title IV-E; AL 93.659 – Adoption Assistance; AL 93.767 – Children’s Health Insurance Program; AL 93.778 – Grants to States for Medicaid – Allowable Cost/Cost Principles Grant Number & Year: 243NE406S2514, FFY 2024; 253NE406S2514, FFY 2025; 2201NETANF, FFY 2022; 2501NESCSS, FFY 2025; 2401NERCMA, FFY 2024; 2301NECCDD, FFY 2023; 2401NECCDD, FFY 2024; 2401NEFOST, FFY 2024; 2501NEFOST, FFY 2025; 2401NEADPT, FFY 2024; 2501NEADPT, FFY 2025; 2405NE5021, FFY 2024; 2505NE5021, FFY 2025; 2405NE5ADM, FFY 2024; 2505NE5ADM, FFY 2025 Federal Grantor Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 400.1 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025), the U.S. Department of Agriculture adopted the OMB Uniform Guidance as its policies and procedures for uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for Federal awards. Per 45 CFR § 75.405(a) (October 1, 2024) and 2 CFR § 200.405(a) (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025), costs are allocable to Federal awards or other cost objectives if the costs involved are assignable to those Federal awards or other cost objectives in accordance with relative benefits received. 45 CFR § 75.403 (October 1, 2024) and 2 CFR § 200.403 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025) require costs to be necessary, reasonable, and adequately documented. 45 CFR § 75.303 (October 1, 2024) and 2 CFR § 200.303 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025) require the State to “maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the [State] is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.” 45 CFR § 75.302 (October 1, 2024) and 2 CFR § 200.302 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025) require financial management systems of the State sufficient to permit both preparation of required reports and tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that the use of those funds was in accordance with applicable regulations. Per Title 471 NAC 25, Attachment A, Claiming Issues, C. Offset of Revenues (eff. 10/4/2020) and the Medicaid School-Based Administrative Claiming Guide provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (May 2003), Section V (“Claiming Issues”), C. (“Offset Revenues”), “[a] government program may not be reimbursed in excess of its actual costs, i.e., make a profit.” EnterpriseOne is the official accounting system for the State of Nebraska, and all expenditures are generated from it. Good internal control requires procedures to ensure that amounts charged to Federal funds are proper. 45 CFR § 75.511 (October 1, 2024) and 2 CFR § 200.511 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025) require the auditee to prepare a summary schedule of prior audit findings. Subsection (b)(2) of both regulations also requires that, when the audit findings were not corrected or only partially corrected, the auditee must describe the reasons for the findings recurrence and planned corrective action. Condition: Inadequate procedures to ensure the accuracy of journal entries and adjustments to the Public Assistance Cost Allocation Plan (PACAP), resulting in multiple Federal programs being overcharged. A similar finding was noted in the prior audit. The Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings lists the status as completed. Repeat Finding: 2024-037 Questioned Costs: $3,986,559 known See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. Statistical Sample: No Context: We selected 14 journal entries related to the PACAP. We noted the following: • Four journal entries to reconcile Foster Care Title IV-E expenditures to the PACAP contained multiple errors, including using aid amounts as administrative costs, miscalculating the portion of the Bridge to Independence (B2I) program that can be charged to the grant, not accounting for all amounts already charged to the grant, and adding in additional amounts earned that did not exist or were calculated incorrectly. For one entry, the Agency not only calculated the wrong amounts to charge to the grant, but then posted the exact same entry from the previous quarter instead of the current quarter’s entry. In total, $306,667 was overcharged to the Foster Care Title IV-E grant due to these errors. We consider this amount to be Federal questioned costs. • Another journal entry for Foster Care Title IV-E was posted to correct an error in previous quarters’ journal entries. The Agency was charging program-related training costs at a 50% Federal financial participation rate (FFP), while such activity is allowable at a 75% FFP. However, the Agency did not correctly account for all the costs that had already been charged to the grant for training costs. This error led to the Agency charging an additional $1,777,318 in costs to the Federal award that was already charged to the grant. We consider this amount to be Federal questioned costs. • One journal entry was to reconcile Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) expenditures to the PACAP. The Agency’s calculation included costs earned by the Summer EBT program but failed to include amounts already charged to the Summer EBT Federal grant of $72,292. Additionally, the Summer EBT program is a separate Federal grant from SNAP and should have been accounted for separately. The full $72,292 is the Federal portion and is considered questioned costs. • One journal entry to reconcile Medicaid administrative expenditures to the PACAP did not properly account for $35,114 in personnel costs that had already been charged to the grant. As a result, the Federal funds were overcharged this amount and are considered questioned costs. • One journal entry to allocate costs related to Field Office Administration to various programs across the Agency for the month of March 2025 was calculated incorrectly and did not account for all programs involved. Each quarter, Field Office Administration costs are allocated in the PACAP to various programs based on hours worked in the field offices. The journal entry tested was meant to do the same calculation, but on a monthly basis, so programs can keep track of their budgets more timely. When calculating the amounts to allocate, however, the Agency used six months of costs, or $1,798,755, rather than just the costs that occurred in March 2025, or $171,255. Further, the Agency did not move the costs to all of the applicable programs, such as Foster Care and SNAP. Lastly, the Agency used the Labor Hours from the quarter ending December 31, 2023, rather than the quarter ending March 31, 2025. Due to these errors, Medicaid was overcharged $131,637, which are considered Federal questioned costs. • For one journal entry to move costs from the State General Fund to a Cash Fund for $1,766,949, the Agency used the incorrect business units within EnterpriseOne, which resulted in multiple Federal programs being overcharged through the PACAP, as listed below. We consider these to be Federal questioned costs. See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. We also selected six adjustments made to the PACAP and noted the following: • Two adjustments tested were related to the Medicaid School-based Administration program. The Agency uses a contractor to determine the allowable Medicaid activities by school district, and the amounts owed to each school district, for the Federal share of expenses. Schools are responsible for covering matching funds. The Agency makes an adjustment to the Cost Allocation Plan to account for the matching funds that are not shown on the State Accounting records. However, we noted that the Agency is calculating this adjustment based on the amount of allowable expenses provided by the contract, and not the actual amount of Federal funds paid to the schools. The Agency reduces the amount to pay to the schools for missing provider enrollment, negative claims, and/or recoupments. We then reviewed the CMS-64 reports and noted that the Agency is claiming the entire amount of allowable expenses provided by the contractor, and not just the amount paid to the schools. It is not reasonable to claim costs on the CMS-64 reports that are not actually spent. We recalculated the amounts that should have been reported based on the actual amounts paid to the schools and noted that the Agency overclaimed $566,018 in Federal costs. Of the $566,018, $110,970 is due to a 3% fee for administration that the Agency subtracts from each school’s payment. The Agency then essentially pays itself this amount through a reconciliation journal entry. Administrative costs of the Agency are distributed through the PACAP to benefiting programs and would include charges to Medicaid; therefore, the Federal portion of the 3% administrative fee should have been credited back to Medicaid, but it was not. The $566,018 is considered Federal questioned costs. • Two adjustments tested were to correct prior period allocation errors. Both errors were due to a finding from the Fiscal Year 2024 Single audit. The Agency’s calculations to correct allocations included errors, such as using the incorrect statistics, using the incorrect amounts, and inputting the incorrect amounts into the cost allocation system. These errors resulted in the following programs being overcharged. See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. Cause: Inadequate procedures to ensure that adjustments to the PACAP are proper, and journal entries are appropriate for each program. Effect: Unallowable expenditures were charged to Federal funds and an increased risk for errors, fraud, and noncompliance with Federal regulations. Recommendation: We recommend the Agency strengthen procedures to ensure adjusting entries are complete and accurate. We further recommend the Agency strengthen procedures to ensure compliance with Federal regulations. Management Response: The Agency agrees with the finding.
Program: AL 10.561 – State Administrative Matching Grants for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; AL 93.090 – Guardianship Assistance; AL 93.558 – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; AL 93.563 – Child Support Services; AL 93.566 – Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs; AL 93.575 Child Care and Development Block Grant; AL 93.658 – Foster Care Title IV-E; AL 93.659 – Adoption Assistance; AL 93.767 – Children’s Health Insurance Program; AL 93.778 – Grants to States for Medicaid – Allowable Cost/Cost Principles Grant Number & Year: 243NE406S2514, FFY 2024; 253NE406S2514, FFY 2025; 2501NEGARD, FFY 2025; 2201NETANF, FFY 2022; 2401NESCSS, FFY 2024; 2501NESCSS, FFY 2025; 2401NERCMA, FFY 2024; 2401NECCDD, FFY 2024; 2501NECCDD, FFY 2025; 2401NEFOST, FFY 2024; 2501NEFOST, FFY 2025; 2401NEADPT, FFY 2024; 2501NEADPT, FFY 2025; 2405NE5021, FFY 2024; 2505NE5021, FFY 2025; 2405NE5ADM, FFY 2024; 2505NE5ADM, FFY 2025 Federal Grantor Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 400.1 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025), the U.S. Department of Agriculture adopted the OMB Uniform Guidance as its policies and procedures for uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for Federal awards. 45 CFR § 75.303 (October 1, 2024) and 2 CFR § 200.303 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025) require the State to “maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the [State] is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.” 45 CFR § 75.403 (October 1, 2024) and 2 CFR § 200.403 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025) require costs to be necessary, reasonable, and adequately documented. 45 CFR § 75.302 (October 1, 2024) and 2 CFR § 200.302 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025) require financial management systems of the State sufficient to permit both preparation of required reports and tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that the use of those funds was in accordance with applicable regulations. Per 45 CFR § 75.405(a) (October 1, 2024) and 2 CFR § 200.405(a) (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025), costs are allocable to Federal awards or other cost objectives if the costs involved are assignable to those Federal awards or other cost objectives in accordance with relative benefits received. Good internal control and sound accounting practices require policies and procedures to ensure that all administrative costs are allocated to the proper funding source for activities performed. 45 CFR § 75.511 (October 1, 2024) and 2 CFR § 200.511 (January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025) require the auditee to prepare a summary schedule of prior audit findings. Subsection (b)(2) of both regulations also requires that when the audit findings were not corrected or only partially corrected, the auditee must describe the reasons for the findings recurrence and planned corrective action. Condition: The Agency did not properly charge Federal programs for 9 of 27 allocations tested. A similar finding has been noted since 2013. Repeat Finding: 2024-038 Questioned Costs: $2,743,946 known See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. Statistical Sample: No Context: We tested 27 PACAP allocations. We noted errors for 9 of 27 allocations tested, resulting in various programs undercharged or overcharged. We consider the overcharged to be questioned costs. We noted the following: RMTS Allocations For four of four allocations tested based on the Random Moment Time Study (RMTS) observations, the RMTS Summary report was not allocated correctly to the various State and Federal programs. Additionally, costs were included in the allocations that were either misassigned or unrelated to the cost centers being allocated. The following RMTS allocations were tested: See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. • RMTS observations were not properly determined. We reviewed two quarters to determine if observations were correctly counted. The September quarter allocation included 4,481 activity observations and the March quarter included 4,402 observations. We noted the following: o Four responses were invalidated by supervisors; however, these responses were originally left blank as they were not completed by employees. This resulted in four additional responses being created as activities funded by the State. o For two responses that were not included in the sub-sample for supervisory review, the supervisor performed a review and invalidated the moments. As these were not originally selected for supervisor review, this invalidation resulted in two additional responses being created and recorded as activities funded by the State as well as the original responses remaining under their original funding source. o One response was originally recorded as SNAP and was later invalidated by the supervisor. This moment was incorrectly not moved to “Non-DHHS Activity” and remained coded as SNAP on the final allocation. • The Agency did not properly allocate observations in accordance with the PACAP for 7 of the 81 activities in the quarter ended September 31, 2024, and 2 of the 75 activities in the quarter ended March 31, 2025: o Six of the observations included Child Protection Initial Assessment. Per the PACAP, Child Protection Initial Assessment is allocated to Foster Care, Guardianship, and Adoption. The Agency did not properly update the formula used to calculate each quarterly allocation for Child Protection Initial Assessment from the previous quarter. In both quarters tested, this resulted in overcharges to the Adoption and Guardianship programs and undercharges to the Foster Care program. o Two of the observations should have been allocated evenly between SNAP and the State; however, the observation was incorrectly allocated three ways, between SNAP, the State, and the Social Services Block Grant Program (SSBG). This resulted in overcharges to SSBG and undercharges to SNAP and the State. o One of the observations should have been allocated with two-thirds to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) and one-third to SNAP; however, the observation was incorrectly allocated evenly between TANF and SNAP. This resulted in overcharges to SNAP and undercharges to TANF. Additionally, two business units were misassigned to the RMTS allocations. • One business unit with total charges of $125,246 during State fiscal year 2025 was assigned to the Economic Assistance RMTS allocation when it should have been assigned to the P&S RMTS allocation. Impacts of this error included undercharges to Foster Care and overcharges to SNAP. • The second business unit with total charges of $5,433,458 during State fiscal year 2025 was assigned to the P&S RMTS; however, it should not have been assigned to either RMTS allocation as the costs were related to the Youth Rehabilitation Treatment Center in Kearney, Nebraska. This resulted in overcharges to Federal programs, including Foster Care and Adoption Assistance. Questioned costs by Program for RMTS Allocations are as follows: See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. Time Study Allocation One allocation tested was based on a time study of the Legal and Regulatory Services Team for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, which allocated $1,126,957 of administrative costs. The time study was completed annually by the attorneys of the Legal and Regulatory Services Team. We noted the following issues regarding the time study and the allocation tested. • The Agency’s processes and procedures for the time study were not adequately defined in the PACAP, and there were no written processes and procedures for how the time study would be completed. • The time study used for the basis of the allocation tested consisted of only 26 of the 33 attorneys that were part of the team, and the time study was only conducted during a two-week period. Additionally, a paralegal also completed the time study, which was against the Agency’s stated procedures. • An Internal Auditor’s payroll costs were also included in the allocation; however, the Internal Auditor was not part of the Legal and Regulatory Services Team. This resulted in $16,281 in misallocated costs. • Hours coded on the time study for “Child Welfare” were all allocated directly to Foster Care; however, the “Child Welfare” hours should have also been allocated to Adoption, Guardianship, and other State programs. • Hours coded on the time study for “TANF” were incorrectly charged to LIHEAP. As the same time study was used for allocations for all four quarters of the State fiscal year 2025, we calculated the impact for all four quarters. Questioned costs by program for the Time Study allocation are as follows: See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. Recipient Counts The PACAP includes five cost centers allocated to State and Federal programs based on recipient counts per NFOCUS and MMIS reports. NFOCUS and MMIS are applications used to manage various programs such as SNAP, Child Care, TANF, and Medicaid. Over $39.5 million in costs were allocated using these counts during the State fiscal year 2025. We tested the allocation for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, and noted the following: • The Agency did not maintain the detail for the recipients of Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The numbers they used in the allocations for Medicaid and CHIP were maintained on a summary spreadsheet. The counts used for the allocation tested, pulled from the summary spreadsheet, did not include Medicaid Expansion recipients in the count of Medicaid recipients, thus undercharging Medicaid for the quarter tested and overcharging all other programs in the allocation. Furthermore, when we requested detailed reports to support the numbers on the summary spreadsheet, the Agency was unable to provide detailed reports at the time of the allocation. Instead, the reports showed recipients for Medicaid and CHIP, for September 2024 as of August 2025. The detailed report did not agree to the summary spreadsheets. • Other recipient counts were off due to clerical errors: o The recipient count for the TANF Solely State Funded Plan was incorrect. The recipient count used by the Agency was zero, but the supported number was 2,017 recipients. o The recipient count for SNAP included 1,609 more recipients than what was supported. Having recalculated the quarter’s allocation, based on the supported recipient counts available, we have the following questioned costs: See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. Labor Hours Statistics The PACAP includes 36 cost centers allocated to State and Federal programs through labor hours. Over $295.6 million in costs were allocated by labor hours during the 2025 State fiscal year. We tested seven of these allocations, and one had errors. Below is a summary of allocations tested: See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. For the allocation tested for Cost Center 25C23545, we noted that five business units related to Home and Community Based Services were being incorrectly mapped to Cost Center 25C23545. Additionally, the labor hours statistic should have allocated the costs throughout the Finance and Program Integrity Section, but it only allocated costs to one unit within this section. These errors resulted in CHIP being overcharged $85,174. Time and Effort Report Allocations We tested the allocation of cost center 25C21940 Field Office Resource Development for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, which allocated $1,077,853 of administrative costs, based on Time & Effort reports. During testing, we noted the payroll costs for 71 employees were charged to the cost center; however, four of the employees’ payroll costs should not have been charged to the cost center. The four employees included three Child and Family Services Specialist Supervisors (CFSSS), and a Program Specialist. The three CFSSS employees were, at one time, Resource Developers; however, when their roles changed, their pay source was not updated. The Program Specialist has been a Program Specialist since he was hired in April 2022. Because of this error, the following programs were overcharged. See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. Other We tested the allocation of cost center 25C23823 iServe IAPD H971 – Shared, which allocated $17,529,039 in project costs for State fiscal year 2025. The iServe Nebraska Portal, which is an online application for Nebraskans to apply for benefits from Federal and State programs, began implementation in July 2021 and went live in October 2023, replacing ACCESSNebraska. For the implementation phase of the project, the Agency allocated costs only to the following four programs: LIHEAP, TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid. However, there are other Federal and State programs that are utilizing, or intend to utilize, the iServe application. We reviewed documentation obtained in the prior year, including correspondence from the Agency’s Federal contacts, which stated the following: As long as SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and TANF are the only benefiting programs for the State’s iServe Nebraska Portal project, the State may just include these four programs in the development of its cost allocation plan. If/when the State decides to add other Federal programs that will benefit from enhancements to the portal, it will need to revisit and adjust its cost allocation plan. In addition to SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and TANF, other programs went live during the previous fiscal year, including Child Care, SSBG, Refugee Assistance, and various State programs. We noted the following: • The allocation method was last updated by the Agency, and approved by the Federal grantor, as of September 28, 2023, to include the Child Care program and some State-funded programs, such as Assistance to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled Program (AABD) and State Disability Program (SDP). However, the Agency-provided implementation date for Child Care, AABD, and SDP was the same as the implementation date for the initial four programs, July 26, 2021. So it remains unclear why all benefiting programs were not being included in the allocation of this cost center from the start of implementation. • The SSBG program began implementation in October 2023 and went live in April 2024, but no costs have been allocated to this program. Similarly, the Refugee Assistance program began implementation in March 2024 and went live in July 2024, but no costs have been allocated to this program either. We were unable to determine questioned costs for the cost center. The total costs allocated from the iServe project for fiscal year 2025 are noted below. See Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs for chart/table. Cause: Inadequate procedures to ensure that allocations were adequately supported and calculated correctly. Effect: Without adequate documentation to support the allocation of costs, there is an increased risk of programs not being charged the proper amounts. Recommendation: We recommend the Agency improve procedures to ensure the following: employee pay is recorded correctly; system reports are set up correctly, and formatting instructions are followed; and costs are properly allocated and charged, based on supporting documentation. Management Response: The Agency agrees with the finding.
Program: AL 21.023 – COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program – Allowability & Eligibility Grant Number & Year: ERAE1185, grant period ending 9/30/2025 Federal Grantor Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Criteria: Title III, Subtitle B, Section 3201(f)(2), of the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021, Pub. L. No. 117-2 (March 11, 2021) states, in relevant part the following: ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLD. - The term ‘‘eligible household’’ means a household of 1 or more individuals who are obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling and with respect to which the eligible grantee involved determines that— * * * * (C) the household is a low-income family (as such term is defined in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)). Low-income family is defined in 42 U.S.C § 1437a(b)(2)(A) as follows: [F]amilies whose incomes do not exceed 80 per centum of the median income for the area, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families . . . . Per 2 CFR § 1000.10 (January 1, 2024), the U.S. Department of the Treasury adopted the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements set forth at 2 CFR part 200. Per 2 CFR § 200.303 (January 1, 2024): 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. Question 4 of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guidance document (Revised December 4, 2024), issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, for the Emergency Rental Assistance program, states, in relevant part, the following: If a written attestation without further verification is relied on to document the majority of the applicant’s income, the grantee must reassess the household’s income every three months, by obtaining appropriate documentation or a new self-attestation. Question 7 of the FAQ guidance document states that other expenses that can be paid for include “reasonable accrued late fees.” Good internal control requires procedures to ensure that adequate supporting documentation is obtained and utilized during the application review process. Good internal control also requires procedures to ensure compliance with Federal regulations. 2 CFR § 200.511 (January 1, 2024) requires the auditee to prepare a summary schedule of prior audit findings. Subsection (b)(2) of that same regulation states, “When audit findings were not corrected or were only partially corrected, the summary schedule must describe the reasons for the finding’s recurrence and planned corrective action, and any partial corrective action taken.” Condition: Documentation to support the eligibility and the amount paid for 5 of 40 payments/households tested was not adequate. A similar finding was noted in the prior audit. The Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings lists the status as completed. Repeat Finding: 2024-067 Questioned Costs: $1,580 known Statistical Sample: No Context: We tested 40 assistance payments. We noted the following: • For one payment, adequate income verification was not performed. The applicant attested that the household did not have income. Subsequent payments were made for rent over three months after the attestation. The Agency neither reassessed the household’s income nor obtained a new self-attestation, as required per the FAQ. This resulted in questioned costs of $1,277. • For four payments, the payment amount was incorrect. o For three payments, we did not agree with the amount paid for late fees. For rent paid for future months, it was the Agency’s policy to pay the late fee if the payment was approved after the 15th of the previous month. For example, if the Agency approved a rental payment for the month of October 2024 on September 16, 2024, the Agency would also pay a late fee for October 2024. However, per review of the actual date paid, the late fees paid were either excessive or should not have been paid at all. In total, we questioned $146 in excessive late fees. o For one payment, the Agency calculated a payment amount of $1,342; however, after reviewing the lease, we calculated an amount of $1,185, a difference of $157. Federal payment errors for the sample tested were $1,580. The total sample tested was $64,938, and assistance payments for the year totaled $18,220,684. Based on the sample tested, the dollar error rate for the sample was 2.43% ($1,580/$64,938), which estimated the potential dollars at risk for fiscal year 2025 to be $442,763 (dollar error rate multiplied by the population). Cause: Inadequate procedures to ensure that self-attestations of income were obtained every three months. Inadequate procedures to ensure the payment amount was correct, and late fees were reasonable. Effect: Increased risk of loss or misuse of funds and noncompliance with Federal guidelines. Recommendation: We recommend the Agency strengthen policies and procedures to ensure applicants are eligible for assistance, and payment amounts are reasonable and proper. Management Response: Management agrees with the finding presented.
Program: AL 21.027 – COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Allowability Grant Number & Year: SLFRP1965, March 3, 2021, through December 31, 2024 Federal Grantor Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Criteria: 31 CFR § 35.6(b) (July 1, 2024) states, in relevant part, the following: A recipient may use funds to respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts if the use meets the criteria provided in paragraph (b)(1) of this section or is enumerated in paragraph (b)(3) of this section; provided that, in the case of a use of funds for a capital expenditure under paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(3) of this section, the use of funds must also meet the criteria provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section. Treasury may also articulate additional eligible programs, services, or capital expenditures from time to time that satisfy the eligibility criteria of this paragraph (b), which shall be eligible under this paragraph (b). (1) Identifying eligible responses to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts. (i) A program, service, or capital expenditure is eligible under this paragraph (b)(1) if a recipient identifies a harm or impact to a beneficiary or class of beneficiaries caused or exacerbated by the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts and the program, service, or capital expenditure responds to such harm. (ii) A program, service, or capital expenditure responds to a harm or impact experienced by an identified beneficiary or class of beneficiaries if it is reasonably designed to benefit the beneficiary or class of beneficiaries that experienced the harm or impact and is related and reasonably proportional to the extent and type of harm or impact experienced. * * * * (3) Enumerated eligible uses: responses presumed reasonably proportional. A recipient may use funds to respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts on a beneficiary or class of beneficiaries for one or more of the following purposes unless such use is grossly disproportionate to the harm caused or exacerbated by the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts: * * * * (ii) Responding to the negative economic impacts of the public health emergency for purposes including: * * * * (D) Assistance to tourism, travel, hospitality, and other impacted industries for programs, services, or capital expenditures, including support for payroll costs and covered benefits for employees, compensating returning employees, support for operations and maintenance of existing equipment and facilities, and technical assistance[.] 31 CFR § 35.6(c) (July 1, 2024) states the following: Providing premium pay to eligible workers. A recipient may use funds to provide premium pay to eligible workers of the recipient who perform essential work or to provide grants to eligible employers that have eligible workers who perform essential work, provided that any premium pay or grants provided under this paragraph (c) must respond to eligible workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency. A recipient uses premium pay or grants provided under this paragraph (c) to respond to eligible workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency if: (1) The eligible worker's total wages and remuneration, including the premium pay, is less than or equal to 150 percent of the greater of such eligible worker’s residing State’s or county’s average annual wage for all occupations as defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics; (2) The eligible worker is not exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime provisions (29 U.S.C. 207); or (3) The recipient has submitted to the Secretary a written justification that explains how providing premium pay to the eligible worker is responsive to the eligible worker performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency (such as a description of the eligible workers’ duties, health, or financial risks faced due to COVID-19, and why the recipient determined that the premium pay was responsive despite the worker's higher income). 31 CFR § 35.3 (July 1, 2024) defines “premium pay,” in relevant part, as follows: Premium pay means an amount of up to $13 per hour that is paid to an eligible worker, in addition to wages or remuneration the eligible worker otherwise receives, for all work performed by the eligible worker during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Such amount may not exceed $25,000 in total over the period of performance with respect to any single eligible worker. H.J. Res 7 (2023) states the following: Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That, pursuant to section 202 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622), the national emergency declared by the finding of the President on March 13, 2020, in Proclamation 9994 (85 Fed. Reg. 15337) is hereby terminated. Approved April 10, 2023. Additionally, the “Final Rule” was released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on January 6, 2022. The Final Rule, Section II. Eligible Uses, A. Public Health and Negative Economic Impacts, 1. General Provisions: Structure and Standards, a. Standards for Identifying a Public Health or Negative Economic Impact, Standards: Designating a Negative Economic Impact, states the following, in relevant part: (Page 4344) First, there must be a negative economic impact, or an economic harm, experienced by an individual or a class. The recipient should assess whether, and the extent to which, there has been an economic harm, such as loss of earnings or revenue, that resulted from the COVID-19 public health emergency. A recipient should first consider whether an economic harm exists and then whether this harm was caused or made worse by the COVID-19 public health emergency. * * * * Second, the response must be designated to address the identified economic harm or impact resulting from or exacerbated by the public health emergency. In selecting responses, the recipient must assess whether, and the extent to which, the use would respond to or address this harm or impact. * * * * Responses must be reasonably designed to benefit the individual or class that experienced the negative economic impact or harm. Uses of funds should be assessed based on their responsiveness to their intended beneficiary and the ability of the response to address the impact or harm experienced by that beneficiary. Responses must also be related and reasonably proportional to the extent and type of harm experienced. The Final Rule, Section II. Eligible Uses, A. Public Health and Negative Economic Impacts, 4. General Provisions: Other, a. Public Sector Capacity and Workforce, states the following, in relevant part: (Page 4386) The final rule allows for an expanded set of eligible uses to restore and support public sector employment. Eligible uses include hiring up to a pre-pandemic baseline that is adjusted for historic underinvestment in the public sector, providing additional funds for employees who experienced pay cuts or were furloughed, avoiding layoffs, providing worker retention incentives, and paying for ancillary administrative costs related to hiring. * * * * The final rule provides two options to restore pre-pandemic employment, depending on recipient’s needs. Under the first and simpler option, recipients may use SLFRF funds to rehire staff for pre-pandemic positions that were unfilled or were eliminated due the pandemic without undergoing further analysis. Under the second option, the final rule provides recipients an option to hire above the pre-pandemic baseline, by adjusting the pre-pandemic baseline for historical growth in public sector employment over time, as well as flexibility on roles for hire. * * * * To pursue the second option, recipients should undergo the analysis provided below. In short, this option allows recipients to pay for payroll and covered benefits associated with the recipient increasing its number of budgeted full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) up to 7.5 percent above its pre-pandemic employment baseline, which adjusts for the continued underinvestment in state and local governments since the Great Recession. * * * * Funds may be used to maintain current compensation levels, with adjustments for inflation, in order to prevent layoffs that would otherwise be necessary. Recipients must be able to substantiate that layoffs were likely in the absence of SLFRF funds and would be substantially due to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts (e.g., fiscal pressures on state and local budgets) and should document their assessment. * * * * Funds may be used to provide worker retention incentives, which are designed to persuade employees to remain with the employer as compared to other employment options. Recipients must be able to substantiate that the employees were likely to leave employment in the absence of the retention incentive and should document their assessment. * * * * All worker retention incentives must be narrowly tailored to need and should not exceed incentives traditionally offered by the recipient or compensation that alternative employers may offer to compete for the employees. Further, because retention incentives are intended to provide additional incentive to remain with the employer, they must be entirely additive to an employee’s regular rate of wages and other remuneration and may not be used to reduce or substitute for an employee’s normal earnings. Treasury will presume that retention incentives that are less than 25 percent of the rate of base pay for an individual employee or 10 percent for a group or category of employees are reasonably proportional to the need to retain employees, as long as the other requirements are met. The Final Rule, Footnote 230, states the following, in relevant part: (Page 4379) Ultimately, recipients must comply with the eligible use requirements and any other applicable laws or requirements and are responsible for the actions of their subrecipients or beneficiaries. Per 2 CFR § 1000.10 (January 1, 2024), “[T]he Department of the Treasury adopts the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, set forth at 2 CFR part 200.” 2 CFR § 200.303 (January 1, 2024) states, in relevant part, the following: 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. Per 2 CFR § 200.403 (January 1, 2024), costs must be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award. Costs must also be adequately documented. Good internal control and sound business practices require procedures for ensuring that: 1) premium pay is paid to only eligible individuals; 2) expenditures are adequately supported; and 3) all expenditures are for allowable purposes. Condition: The State lacked procedures to ensure that: • Grants issued to beneficiaries for worker retention and incentives were used for such purposes. • Premium pay paid to eligible individuals was for work performed during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Repeat Finding: 2024-069 Questioned Costs: $2,619,690 known Statistical Sample: No Context: We randomly selected 40 payments to test. We also judgmentally selected 12 payments and 7 journal entries to test. We noted the following: Payments to Nursing Facilities & Assisted Living Centers for Employee Retention and Recruitment LB 1014 (2022), section 28, appropriated $12,500,000 from the CSLFRF grant to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for State fiscal year 2025 to be paid out to Medicaid-certified nursing facilities. The funds were to be used to provide supplemental incentive payments for direct care staff members employed at the nursing facilities. DHHS paid out $12,500,000 to Medicaid-certified nursing facilities during State fiscal year 2025. During testing of 40 randomly selected CSLFRF payments, we tested five payments, totaling $452,690, made to Medicaid-certified nursing facilities. We asked for documentation of how DHHS ensured that the payments were used for allowable employee retention and recruitment programs, and for any documented assessments that were required by the Final Rule for worker incentive programs. According to DHHS, the funds were paid out in accordance with the requirements of LB 1014 (2022). Additionally, during June and July 2024, DHHS obtained signed attestations from all entities that had previously received funds in fiscal years 2023 and 2024, attesting that the entity was aware that funds provided could be used only to enhance employee recruitment and retention and that funds were used for such purpose. These forms applied only to funds already received at the time and did not include language referencing that they would apply to those payments issued in the State fiscal year 2025. DHHS claimed to have performed additional monitoring procedures in response to our finding in fiscal year 2024, which consisted of reviewing four entities that received funds in fiscal year 2024. The APA noted that this review consisted of only 4 of the 181 entities that received payments in fiscal year 2025, and the review considered only the use of funds disbursed prior to fiscal year 2025. Lastly, the APA noted that the documentation on file for DHHS’ review did not contain any analysis to support that funds were allowed for allowable retention and recruitment. Because no documentation was provided to support that funds were used for allowable employee retention and recruitment programs, we questioned all costs for the five payments tested, totaling $452,690, and noted that all $12,500,000 disbursed are dollars at risk. Premium Pay LB 1412 (2024), section 112, allowed the Governor to reallocate previously appropriated CSLFRF dollars that could not otherwise be obligated by the December 31, 2024, obligation deadline. Under this authority, the Office of the Governor authorized $3,007,058 to be used for premium pay to State employees. In December 2024, May 2025, and June 2025, DHHS posted three journal entries to move payroll costs of $2,167,000 to the CSLFRF grant. During our review of these entries, totaling $2,167,000, we noted that DHHS had determined the allowability of the entry by calculating the total amount of allowable premium pay during the grant period. DHHS had identified premium pay, totaling $10,537,975, paid to employees providing mental health services as part of the Lincoln Regional Center and Norfolk Regional Center Sex Offender Treatment Program for work dates from December 23, 2019, through April 30, 2023, and stated that this was more than the $9,760,287 in premium pay coded to the grant as of June 30, 2025, including the $2,167,000 tested; therefore, the entry was allowable. However, during our review, we noted the following deficiencies in DHHS’ review: • DHHS included $5,054,478 of payroll costs associated with work performed prior to the implementation of any premium pay on November 1, 2021, and after the end of the public health emergency on April 10, 2023, which is not allowable. • DHHS projections did not include any review of employee exemption status or total wages to support that moving payroll costs to the grant was responsive to employees performing essential work. Further, DHHS had no written justification on file to support the responsiveness of premium pay for any employees. We noted 28 employees who were exempt with wages over 150% of the State average. • DHHS did not properly cap the amount of premium pay at $25,000 per person for the life of the grant. Rather, DHHS capped premium pay at $25,000 per employee per each fiscal year during the grant. • Despite attempting to cap premium pay at $13 per hour for all employees, DHHS did not properly calculate the amount of premium pay earned by each employee. Employees were afforded a 20-30% pay increase for premium pay; however, DHHS calculated the premium pay as 20-30% of the new rate (including premium pay) instead of the employees’ original pay rate, resulting in overstatements of 3-7%. • In determining the amount of premium pay, DHHS erroneously included duplicate payroll lines, totaling $709,206, of gross pay. Taking all of the deficiencies into consideration, the APA calculated total allowable premium pay for the grant period to be only $5,001,281, which was $4,759,005 less than the amount of premium pay coded to the grant. The APA observed that, prior to fiscal year 2025, the agency had moved $7,593,287 of payroll costs to the grant. Therefore, all $2,167,000 of these journal entries tested are questioned costs. Cause: Inadequate procedures to ensure: 1) grants to nursing and assisted-living facilities were used for allowable purposes; and 2) premium pay was paid only to individuals who performed work during the COVID-19 public health emergency and at allowable rates. Effect: Without adequate supporting documentation and review procedures, there is an increased risk that Federal awards could be used for unallowable costs. Recommendation: We recommend the State strengthen procedures for ensuring that all Federal funds are used for intended and allowable purposes. Management Response: Department of Health and Human Services Agency disagrees with this finding. The methods utilized to calculate claims over the $25k per person cap and the max $13/hour increase cap were erroneous. DHHS was able to consolidate the entire data set for the appropriation periods between State fiscal year 2022 and State fiscal year 2025 and showed that, based on allowable claims for each period, there was a total of $10,537,974.76 possible to be claimed, and $9,760,286.67 actually claimed. APA Response: As noted above, 31 CFR § 35.3 (July 1, 2024) defines “premium pay” as an additional amount up to $13 per hour that is paid to an eligible worker for all work performed by the eligible worker during the COVID-19 public health emergency and states that it “may not exceed $25,000 in total over the period of performance with respect to any single eligible worker.” Review of DHHS’s analysis of $10,537,974.76 noted that it includes premium pay in excess of the $25,000 per person total limit for the period of performance for 138 individuals, totaling $4,208,829.04.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-131-PN01, 23611-131-PN01, Contract 78674 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs- Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Other Matters Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs- Cost Principles compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: $1,250 (Known questioned costs) Context: We noted that for 11 of the 40 payroll samples selected, the School Corporation did not have employees fill out semi-annual certifications to support the percentage of their payroll charged to the Special Education Cluster funds. Additionally, for one payroll sample, we noted that the employee was incorrectly paid $1,250 using Special Education Cluster funds prior to the employee performing work related to the Special Education Cluster. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior audit finding number was 2023-003. Recommendation: We recommend management ensure semi-annual certifications are completed for all employees charged to the grant awards at 100%. We recommend management establish a documented review by management of semi-annual certifications to ensure time charged to grant awards is allowable and allocable based on work performed in accordance with grant requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing Number: 84.010A Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A220014, S010A230014, S010A240014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.430 states in part: 1. 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; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the non-Federal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-Federal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-Federal entity (See paragraph (h)(1)(ii) above for treatment of incidental work for IHEs.); and vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the activities allowed or unallowed and allowable costs/cost principle compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: We noted that for 13 of the 40 payroll samples selected, the School Corporation did not have employees fill out semi-annual certifications to support the percentage of their payroll charged to the Title I grants. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management ensure semi-annual certifications are completed for all employees charged to the grant awards at 100%. We recommend management establish a documented review by management of semi-annual certifications to ensure time charged to grant awards is allowable and allocable based on work performed in accordance with grant requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Material Noncompliance, Qualified Opinion Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: (1) Minimum wages. (i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or under the United States Housing Act of 1937 or under the Housing Act of 1949 in the construction or development of the project), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics… (3)(ii)(A) The contractor shall submit weekly for each week in which any contract work is performed a copy of all payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, “Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction”). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week.. . .” Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation did not obtain the weekly payroll reports certifications from a company that performed renovations to replace HVAC equipment and install windows in the building. Therefore, no review was performed to ensure that pay rates complied with the federal wage rate requirements. The amount disbursed and reported on the SEFA during the audit period is $696,118 and the labor portion was not determinable by the School Corporation. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation implement a formal process to ensure the required weekly payroll reports certifications are collected and reviewed for projects requiring labor installation and funded by federal grants subject to Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: US Department of Education (ED) Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster: Federal Direct Student Loans, Federal Pell Grant Program ALNs: 84.268; 84.063 Award Numbers: P268K171370, P063P161370; Federal Awards Year 2024 – 2025 Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding: Yes 2025-003. Finding: Errors in Reporting for NSLDS Northern Illinois University (University) did not properly report enrollment changes for certain students who received federal student aid to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and the internal controls in place did not prevent and detect errors. Condition: We noted 2 (5%) of 40 students tested in which the University did not report the correct enrollment status to the NSLDS at the Program Level. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations (34 CFR 685.309) requires enrollment status changes for students to be reported to NSLDS within 30 days or within 60 days if the student with the status change will be reported on a scheduled transmission within 60 days of the change in status. Regulations require the status to include an accurate effective date. According to the NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide, a student’s Program-Level enrollment status should be reported with the same enrollment status as that student’s campus-level enrollment status for all programs the student is enrolled in at that location, even if the student is not currently taking coursework that applies to a particular program. If the student has withdrawn or graduated from an academic program, a “terminal enrollment status” of ‘W’ or ‘G,’ as appropriate, should be reported for that program, even if the student is still taking coursework applicable to other programs in which the student is enrolled. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure enrollment reporting is completed properly. Cause: University officials indicated the two exceptions were the result of manual processing errors. Specifically, Program-Level enrollment status updates were not completed for two students who unofficially withdrew. Effect: If the NSLDS is not properly updated with the student information by the University, overawards could occur should the student transfer to another institution and the student may not properly enter the repayment period. (Finding Code No. 2025-003, 2024-003) Recommendation: We recommend the University review current processes for reporting to NSLDS and implement procedures to ensure submissions are reported timely and accurately. University Response: Accepted. The University acknowledges the importance of accurate and timely enrollment reporting to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). As it relates to the prior year finding and repeat finding status, the University corrected the system configuration issue and provided additional training regarding effective date reporting requirements. The exceptions identified in the current year were unrelated to the prior system logic issue and instead resulted from manual processing errors involving Program-Level updates for unofficial withdrawals. The University will review and strengthen its current enrollment reporting procedures to ensure Program-Level updates are completed consistently, particularly in cases involving unofficial withdrawals. The University will develop a batch reporting process for unofficial withdrawals to facilitate accurate enrollment reporting at both the program and campus level. Additional verification steps will be implemented prior to submission to confirm that both campus-level and program-level enrollment statuses are properly updated. The University will also reinforce staff training related to NSLDS reporting requirements and enhance supervisory review procedures to reduce the risk of similar errors occurring in the future.
Federal Agency: US Department of Education (ED) Program Names: Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education; Special Education – Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities; Child Care Access Means Parent in Schools ALNs: 84.116; 84.325K; 84.335 Award Numbers: P116Z230260; H325K180006; P335A220131; Federal Awards Year 2024 - 2025 Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding: Yes 2025-004. Finding: Internal Controls Over Procurement Northern Illinois University (University) included incorrect documentation within purchase requisition forms for small purchases and simplified acquisition procurement transactions at the time of approval of the purchase which did not allow a reviewer to determine the appropriateness of the procurement method. Condition: Three (100%) of three small purchase procurement transactions tested in the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education program were approved based on a form that summarized the incorrect procurement method. The University incorrectly indicated on a small purchase waiver form that the transactions were exempt from procurement under the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)). One (100%) of one transaction tested meeting the simplified acquisition threshold in the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education program was approved based on a form that summarized the incorrect procurement method. The University incorrectly utilized a small purchase waiver form to indicate that the transaction was exempt from procurement under the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)). One (50%) of two small purchase procurement transactions tested in the Special Education – Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program was approved based on a form that summarized the incorrect procurement method. The University incorrectly indicated on a small purchase waiver form that the transaction was exempt from procurement under the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)). One (50%) of two small purchase procurement transactions tested in the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program was approved based on a form that summarized the incorrect procurement method. The University incorrectly indicated on a small purchase waiver form that the transaction was exempt from procurement under the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)). One (100%) of one transaction tested meeting the simplified acquisition threshold in the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program was approved based on a form that summarized the incorrect procurement method. The University incorrectly indicated on a small purchase waiver form that the transaction was exempt from procurement under the Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)). Based on additional information provided to us during our testing, the University did have other documentation to support the history of the procurement, including rationale for the method of procurement, and there were no indications that procurement methods used were inappropriate. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Criteria: Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure procurement procedures are properly followed and support is properly maintained as required by 2 CFR 200.318. Cause: University officials stated that insufficient training on procurements subject to 2 CFR 200 lead to the incorrect documentation on the purchase requisition documentation. Effect: If the purchase requisition forms contain an incorrect rationale for the procurement method selected, the University could approve payments of federal funds to vendors that do not meet federal regulations. (Finding Code No. 2025-004, 2024-004) Recommendation: We recommend the University review current processes for small purchases and simplified acquisition transactions to ensure purchase requisition forms are completed correctly. University Response: Accepted. The University implemented revised procedures and targeted training in April 2025 to strengthen compliance with the 2 CFR 200 procurement requirements. The transactions identified in the condition occurred prior to full implementation and corrective action. The University will continue to monitor procurement processes to ensure accurate and complete documentation of the procurement method selected.
Federal Agency: US Department of Education (ED) Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster: Federal Pell Grant Program ALN: 84.063 Award Numbers: P063P161370; Federal Awards Year 2024 – 2025 Questioned Costs: None Repeat Finding: No 2025-005. Finding: Errors in Verification Reporting Northern Illinois University (University) did not properly code the verification status in the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) System for students who were disbursed Pell Grant funds and later selected for verification, and the internal controls in place did not prevent and detect the exceptions. Condition: As part of verification requirements, the University is required to obtain acceptable documentation to verify the information required for the Verification Tracking Group to which the applicant is assigned; match information on the documentation to the student aid application; if necessary, submit data corrections to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Processing System and recalculate awards and; correctly code the student’s verification status in the COD System for Pell Grants. We noted 6 (24%) of 25 students tested who had been selected for verification for which the verification status code was not correctly coded in COD after the verification procedures were completed. The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Criteria: Under 34 CFR 668.51 – 668.61, a school is required to complete the verification of information submitted by an applicant on the FAFSA if the application has been selected for verification. When a Pell Grant is disbursed, the school must report the student’s verification status through the COD System. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure verification status codes are properly reported. Cause: University officials stated that for students who were selected for verification after disbursements were made, the University’s existing procedures did not include a process to ensure verification status changes were properly updated and transmitted to the COD System after verification was completed. Effect: If the COD System is not properly updated with verification status by the University, there could be overpayments of student aid. (Finding Code No. 2025-005) Recommendation: We recommend the University review current processes for reporting verification status to the COD System and implement procedures to ensure all verification statuses are reported. University Response: Accepted. University procedures have been updated to ensure verification status updates are properly transmitted to the COD System upon completion of verification for students who were disbursed Pell Grant funds and were later selected for verification. Relevant staff have been trained in the revised procedures. Additionally, the University implemented a process to periodically review records and confirm that verification statuses are accurately reflected in the COD System. All affected student records have been reviewed. It has been confirmed in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) that none of the reported statuses resulted in overpayment.
U.S. Departments and Pass-Through Programs with various assistance listings as listed in the Schedule of Expenditures for the Research and Development Cluster Cash Management Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Grant Award Number: Potentially affects all grant awards under the Research and Development Cluster for DRI and UNLV on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Criteria: 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 provides that non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control 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. Grantors require the submission of Requests for Reimbursement. Condition: There was no evidence of review and approval (segregation of duties) between the preparer and reviewer. In addition, indirect costs were unintentionally charged at a lower rate than approved. Cause: Desert Research Institute (DRI) and University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) did not have adequate internal controls to provide for the documented review and approval of Requests for Reimbursement submitted to the grantor. Effect: Inaccurate information may be reported to the grantor, and funds may not be drawn on a reimbursement basis or for immediate cash needs and not be detected. Questioned Costs: None Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of 62 Requests for Reimbursement out of a population of 525 across the Nevada System of Higher Education was tested. The following errors were noted by institution: Desert Research Institute 11 requests were selected; nine had no evidence of review by an individual independent of the preparer. All nine requests were made prior to April 30, 2025, while the two requests with review and approval were performed in May 2025 and June 2025. University of Nevada, Las Vegas 17 requests were selected; one request applied an indirect cost rate lower than the approved rate, resulting in an under‑reimbursement of $256. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: Yes – prior year finding 2024-007. Recommendation: We recommend DRI and UNLV enhance internal controls to ensure Requests for Reimbursement are accurately prepared and include documented review and approval. Views of Responsible Officials: The Desert Research Institute agrees with this finding. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas agrees with this finding.
U.S. Department of Commerce Direct and Pass-through Nevadaworks as listed in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards Economic Development Cluster, 11.307 Reporting Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Grant Award Number: Potentially affects all grant awards included under assistance listing 11.307 for WNC, UNLV, and TMCC on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Criteria: 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 provides that non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control 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. The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) requires direct recipients of certain federal awards to report subaward information. The pass-through entity requires the submission of Requests for Reimbursement. Condition: There was no evidence of review and approval (segregation of duties) between preparer and reviewer. Cause: The following institutions at the Nevada System of Higher Education did not have adequate internal controls to provide for the documented review and approval of reports submitted to the pass-through entity or federal agency: • Western Nevada College (WNC) • Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) • University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Effect: Inaccurate information may be reported and not detected. Questioned Costs: None Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of 14 Requests for Reimbursement out of a population of 96 across the Nevada System of Higher Education was selected for testing. The entire population of one subaward report required by FFATA submitted during the year was selected for testing. The following errors are noted by institution: Western Nevada College Four of the 14 Requests for Reimbursement were applicable to WNC. We noted that there was no evidence of review on one (the August 2024 submission) of the four Requests for Reimbursement that were tested. Truckee Meadows Community College Five of the 14 Requests for Reimbursement were applicable to TMCC. We noted that there was no evidence of review on one (January 2025 submission) of the five Requests for Reimbursement that were tested. University of Nevada, Las Vegas We noted there was no evidence of review for the one subaward report required by the FFATA. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend the Nevada System of Higher Education institutions listed above enhance internal controls to provide for the documented review and approval of reports submitted to grantors. Views of Responsible Officials: The Western Nevada College agrees with this finding. The Truckee Meadows Community College agrees with this finding. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas agrees with this finding.
U.S. Department of the Interior BLM Fuels Management and Community Fire Assistance Program Activities, 15.228 Reporting Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Grant Award Number: Affects grant award L24AC00252 included under assistance listing 15.228 as a direct award for UNR on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Criteria: 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 provides that non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control 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. The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) requires direct recipients of certain federal awards to report subaward information. Condition: There was no evidence of review and approval (segregation of duties) between the preparer and reviewer. Cause: The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) did not have adequate internal controls to ensure the documented review and approval of subaward information required under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA). Effect: Inaccurate information may be reported and not detected. Questioned Costs: None Context/Sampling: The entire population of one subaward report submitted during the year was selected for testing. We noted there was no evidence of review for the one subaward report required by the FFATA. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend that UNR enhance internal controls to ensure the documented review and approval of subaward information required under FFATA. Views of Responsible Officials: The University of Nevada, Reno agrees with this finding.
U.S. Department of Treasury Pass-through the State of Nevada and others as listed in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, 21.027 Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Grant Award Number: Potentially affects all grant awards included under assistance listing 21.027 for UNLV and UNR as reported in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Criteria: 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 provides that non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control 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. The OMB Compliance Supplement provides that reporting requirements for subrecipients are as specified by the pass-through entity. The pass-through entities required the submission of Quarterly Progress Reports. Condition: There was no evidence of review and approval (segregation of duties) between the prepare and reviewer. Information reported to the pass‑through entity did not agree with the underlying supporting records. Cause: The following institutions of the Nevada System of Higher Education did not have adequate internal controls to provide for the documented review and approval of reports submitted to the pass-through entity: • University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) • University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Effect: Inaccurate information was reported to the pass-through entity by UNLV and inaccurate information may be reported to the pass-through entity by UNR and not detected. Questioned Costs: None Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of nine Quarterly Progress Reports out of a population of 54 across the Nevada System of Higher Education was selected for testing. Nevada System of Higher Education Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs Year Ended June 30, 2025 The following errors were noted by institution: University of Nevada, Las Vegas Four of the nine Quarterly Progress Reports were applicable to UNLV. For all four reports sampled, there was no evidence of review and approval (segregation of duties) between the preparer and the reviewer.University of Nevada, Reno Four of the nine Quarterly Progress Reports were applicable to UNR. We noted there was no evidence of review for one of the four Quarterly Progress Reports. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: Yes – prior year finding 2024-014. Recommendation: We recommend UNR and UNLV enhance internal controls to provide for documented review and approval of reports submitted to the pass-through entities and ensure amounts are supported by underlying records. Views of Responsible Officials: The University of Nevada, Las Vegas agrees with this finding. The University of Nevada, Reno agrees with this finding.
U.S. Department of Education Pass-through the State of Nevada as listed in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards Career and Technical Education - Basic Grants to States, 84.048 Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Grant Award Number: Potentially affects all grant awards included under assistance listing 84.048 for GBC as reported in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Criteria: 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 provides that non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control 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. Condition: There was no evidence of review and approval (segregation of duties) of certain payroll expenditures charged to the grant. Cause: The Great Basin College (GBC) did not have adequate internal controls to provide for documented review and approval of payroll costs for terminated employees charged to the grant program. Effect: Inaccurate payroll expenses may be recorded to the federal grant and remain undetected. Questioned Costs: None Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of 60 ($299,78) out of a population of 402 ($1,245,527) payroll expenditures across the Nevada System of Higher Education was selected for testing. GBC payroll expenditures were 15 ($115,473) of the 60 selected for testing. There were two payroll charges ($10,704) for one terminated employee that did not have evidence of review and approval. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend GBC enhance internal controls to provide for documented review and approval for terminated employees charged to the grant program. Views of Responsible Officials: The Great Basin College agrees with this finding.
U.S. Department of Education Pass-through the State of Nevada as listed in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards Career and Technical Education - Basic Grants to States, 84.048 Cash Management Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Grant Award Number: Potentially affects all grant awards included under assistance listing 84.048 for WNC as reported in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Criteria: 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 provides that non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control 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. Grantors require submission of Requests for Reimbursement. Condition: There was no evidence of review and approval (segregation of duties) between the preparer and reviewer. Cause: Western Nevada College (WNC) did not have adequate internal controls to provide for the documented review and approval of Requests for Reimbursement submitted to the pass-through entity. Effect: Funds may not be drawn on a reimbursement basis, for immediate cash needs, or an error may occur and not be detected. Questioned Costs: None Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of 16 Requests for Reimbursement out of a population of 102 across the Nevada System of Higher Education was selected for testing. WNC had four Requests for Reimbursement selected for testing of the sample of 16. We noted there was no evidence of review by an individual independent of the preparer for one of the four requests. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend WNC enhance internal controls to provide for the documented review and approval of Requests for Reimbursement. Views of Responsible Officials: The Western Nevada College agrees with this finding.
U.S. Department of Education Direct and pass through State of Nevada as listed in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, 84.334 Reporting Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Grant Award Number: Potentially affects all grant awards included under assistance listing 84.334 for CSN, GBC, NSU, TMCC, UNLV, UNR, and WNC, as reported in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Criteria: 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 provides that non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control 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. US Department of Education requires the submission of Annual Performance Reports from direct recipients. The OMB Compliance Supplement provides that reporting requirements for subrecipients are as specified by the pass-through entity. The pass-through entities required the submission of Interim and Final Progress Reports. Condition: Information reported to the federal agency and the pass-through entity did not agree with the underlying supporting records. Cause: The following institutions at the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) did not have adequate internal controls to ensure that amounts reported to the federal agency and pass-through entity were supported by underlying documentation: • College of Southern Nevada (CSN) • Great Basin College (GBC) • Nevada State University (NSU) • Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) • University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) • University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) • Western Nevada College (WNC) Effect: Inaccurate information was reported to the pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of was selected across the Nevada System of Higher Education as follows: • Interim Progress Reports: Three sampled from a population of ten • Final Progress Reports: Three sampled from a population of ten • Direct Award Progress Reports: All reports out of a population of 3 tested Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend that the Nevada System of Higher Education institutions listed above enhance their internal controls to ensure that all reports submitted to pass‑through entities are subject to appropriate review and approval, and that all reported amounts are fully supported by the underlying records. Views of Responsible Officials: The College of Southern Nevada agrees with this finding. The Great Basin College agrees with this finding. The Nevada State University agrees with this finding. The Truckee Meadows Community College agrees with this finding. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas agrees with this finding. The University of Nevada, Reno agrees with this finding. The Western Nevada College agrees with this finding.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Direct and Pass-through State of Nevada and others as listed in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance, 93.243 Reporting Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Grant Award Number: Potentially affects all grant awards passed-through to UNR under assistance listing 93.243 on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Criteria: 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 provides that non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control 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. The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) requires direct recipients of certain federal awards to report subaward information. The OMB Compliance Supplement provides that reporting requirements for subrecipients are as specified by the pass-through entity. The pass-through entities required the submission of Quarterly Progress Reports. Condition: There was no evidence of review and approval (segregation of duties) between the preparer and the reviewer. Information reported to the pass-through entity did not agree to underlying supporting records. Cause: The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) did not have adequate internal controls to provide for the documented review and approval of quarterly progress reports or subaward information required by the FFATA. In addition, UNR did not have adequate internal controls to ensure amounts reported to the pass-through entity were supported by the underlying records. Effect: Inaccurate information may be reported. Questioned Costs: None Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of two Quarterly Progress Reports was selected from a population of five across the Nevada System of Higher Education. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend the UNR enhance internal controls to provide for the documented review and approval of reports submitted to pass-through entities and subaward information required by the FFATA. Views of Responsible Officials: The University of Nevada, Reno agrees with this finding.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pass-through the State of Nevada as listed in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases, 93.323 Reporting Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Grant Award Number: Potentially affects all grant awards included under assistance listing 93.323 for UNR on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Criteria: 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 provides that non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls that provide 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. The OMB Compliance Supplement provides that reporting requirements for subrecipients are as specified by the pass-through entity. The pass-through entity requires the submission of Monthly Activity Reports. Condition: There was no evidence of review and approval (segregation of duties) between the preparer and reviewer. Cause: The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) did not have adequate internal controls to provide for the documented review and approval of reports submitted to the pass-through entity. Effect: Inaccurate information may be reported to the pass-through entity and not be detected. Questioned Costs: None Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of 6 Monthly Activity Reports was selected from a population of 36 at UNR were selected for testing. We noted there was no evidence of review on any of the 6 Monthly Activity Reports tested. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend UNR enhance internal controls to provide for the documented review and approval of reports submitted to pass-through entities. Views of Responsible Officials: The University of Nevada, Reno agrees with this finding.
2 CFR § 400.1 gives regulatory effect for the U. S. Department of Agriculture to the Office of Management and Budget guidance in subparts A through F of 2 CFR part 200, as supplemented by this part, as USDA policies and procedures for uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirement for Federal awards. 2 CFR § 200.303 requires that non-Federal entities receiving Federal awards (i.e., auditee management) establish and maintain effective internal control designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. 7 CFR § 210.7(c)(1) states, in part, to be entitled to reimbursement under this part, each school food authority shall ensure that the Claims for Reimbursement accurately reflects the number of lunches and meal supplements served to eligible children, and the school food authority shall, at a minimum: (iii) Base Claims for Reimbursement on lunch counts, taken daily at the point of service, which correctly identify the number of free, reduced price and paid lunches served to eligible children; (iv) Correctly record, consolidate and report those lunch and supplement counts on the Claim for Reimbursement; and (v) Ensure that Claims for Reimbursement do not request payment for any excess lunches produced, as prohibited in § 210.10(a)(2), or non-Program lunches (i.e., a la carte or adult lunches) or for more than one meal supplement per child per day. 7 CFR § 210.8(c) states the Claim for Reimbursement shall include data in sufficient detail to justify the reimbursement claimed and to enable the State agency to provide the Report of School Program Operations required under § 210.5(d) of this part. Such data shall include, at a minimum, the number of free, reduced price and paid lunches and meal supplements served to eligible children. The claim shall be signed by a school food authority official. Two out of ten (20%) site claim forms submitted by the District to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce were inaccurate, since the District claimed more meals served than what was actually distributed. These errors occurred due to a weakness in internal controls, which failed to ensure site claim forms for reimbursable meals served at each building and submitted by the District to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce were entered correctly. Failure to properly report the number of eligible meals resulted in the District claiming 985 fewer meals served than what was actually distributed and being under reimbursed in the amount of $2,599. The District should implement policies and procedures to help ensure that monthly site claim forms for all District buildings are reviewed and submitted to reflect actual counts for reimbursable meals served.
Federal Program: The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) / Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Assistance Listing (CFDA) Numbers: 10.187 and 93.558 Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture / U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pass-Through Entity: Ohio Association of Foodbanks (OAF) Compliance Requirement: Reporting Finding Type: Material Weakness in Compliance 2025-001 Inaccurate Federal Reporting Due to Insufficient Reconciliation Controls Criteria: Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200.303 and §200.328) requires non-federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards and to ensure that required reports are accurate, complete, and supported by underlying accounting records. The OMB Compliance Supplement identifies Reporting as a direct and material compliance requirement. The Ohio Association of Foodbanks (OAF) prescribes specific data elements for monthly reporting, including counties served, member agencies, distribution activity, and service statistics. Condition: During testing of reporting compliance for major federal programs, we selected three of twelve monthly OAF reports submitted during the fiscal year. For each month tested, reported amounts did not reconcile to MOFC’s internal Poundage Distribution reports and Product Code – Agencies by County reports. Specifically, we identified material variances between the OAF reports and internal distribution records, including: - October 2024: ACP distributions were omitted from the OAF report, resulting in a variance of approximately 821,528 pounds (projected dollar impact of $262,889). - January 2025: VA/Holiday Purchase distributions were omitted from the OAF report, resulting in a variance of approximately 310,898 pounds (projected dollar impact of $155,449). - June 2025: Donated distributions, primarily Direct Retail Pickup (DRP) quantities, were omitted from the OAF report, resulting in a variance of approximately 933,505 pounds (projected dollar impact of $1,764,324). Additional differences were noted in purchased distributions at 40,399 pounds (projected dollar impact of $16,968. Although management provided explanations indicating that certain distributions were omitted in error or excluded due to differences in reporting scope, MOFC did not maintain documented reconciliations supporting the reported amounts. Evidence of review and approval demonstrating that differences were identified, investigated, and resolved prior to report submission was not provided. Cause of Condition: MOFC did not have formalized, documented reconciliation procedures to ensure that internal distribution reports were reconciled to amounts reported to OAF. In addition, management review controls over the preparation and approval of OAF reports were not sufficiently designed or documented to detect and prevent reporting errors prior to submission. Potential Effect of Condition: As a result, OAF reports submitted during the fiscal year were not fully supported by underlying records, increasing the risk of inaccurate reporting to the passthrough entity. This condition resulted in noncompliance with Uniform Guidance reporting requirements and may affect MOFC’s continued eligibility for federal funding. Based on the magnitude and frequency of the variances identified, this condition represents a material weakness in compliance for the reporting compliance requirement. Context: The materiality thresholds for assessing material noncompliance for the major programs were $217,800 for TEFAP (CFDA 10.187) and $301,000 for TANF (CFDA 93.558). Questioned Costs: No questioned costs were identified for this finding, as the variances relate to reporting accuracy rather than unsupported or ineligible expenditures. Recommendation: We recommend that MOFC implement formal, documented reconciliation procedures between internal distribution reports and the OAF report. Such procedures should include: 1. Preparation of a detailed supporting schedule used in compiling OAF reports 2. Documentation of reconciling items and explanations for differences between internal reports and amounts reported to OAF 3. Evidence of management review and approval prior to report submission Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: MOFC management acknowledged the reporting differences and stated that certain variances resulted from omitted distributions and differences in reporting scope. Management indicated plans to enhance internal review procedures and improve documentation supporting the preparation and submission of OAF reports.
Program: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Financial Assistance Listing No.: 21.027 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Passed-through: California Department of Finance Award Number and Year: CSLFRF, 2022 Compliance Requirement: Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance, Instances of Noncompliance Criteria: Per 2 CFR part 200, subpart D, section 200.303, 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 is compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Prior to entering into subawards and contracts with award funds, recipients must verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded pursuant to 31 CFR section 19.300. Condition: We identified that the City’s purchasing and contracting policy in effect during fiscal year 2025 does not require the verification of the debarment and suspension status of vendors prior to entering into agreements. We also noted that the City did not maintain documentation that they verified that the contractor was not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Cause: The City’s policy does not require the verification of the debarment and suspension of a vendor prior to entering into a covered transaction, nor does it address on what type of documentation should be maintained to ensure they are not suspended and debarred. Effect: Noncompliance with these requirements could result in disbursements of Federal funds to suspended and debarred parties. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: We selected 3 out of 10 of the City’s procurement transactions associated with the program. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): Yes. Recommendation: We recommend that the City include policies and procedures within their procurement policy to check whether or not vendors are suspended and debarred and to maintain that documentation within the procurement file. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See separate corrective action plan.
Program: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Financial Assistance Listing No.: 21.027 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Passed-through: California Department of Finance Award Number and Year: CSLFRF, 2022 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) requires that the non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition: We noted that the supporting documentation provided did not have evidence of segregation of duties for the preparation and approval of the submitted report. Cause: The City’s internal control environment was impacted by a shortage of staff necessary to fully conduct the program. Effect: The City’s reports on the awards did not have segregation of duties between the preparer and reviewer of the reports. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: We selected 100% of the City’s reports for the program. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): Yes. Recommendation: We recommend that the City continue to strengthen its policies and procedures over reporting to ensure that there is segregation of duties between the preparer and reviewer of reports. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See separate corrective action plan.
Assistance listing number: 21.027 Program name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Pass-through entity: State of Michigan EGLE Project numbers: A7588-01 and 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.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Qualified Opinion Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards 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). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of documentation to support eligibility determination could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During the testing of internal controls and compliance over eligibility determinations for free and reduced meals, we selected a sample of 15 applications and 45 direct certifications for testing. For 3 of the 15 applications, the School Corporation was not able to provide any documentation to support the eligibility determination due to turnover in the food service director position. Therefore, we were unable to determine whether the School Corporation complied with the eligibility requirements. The internal control and noncompliance was isolated to fiscal year 2024. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No Recommendation: We recommend that the School Corporation’s management establish an internal control process to maintain all applications and documentation to support eligibility determinations. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management has agreed with the finding and prepared a corrective action plan.