FINDING 2022-006 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-014-PN01, 19619-014-PN01, 20611-014-PN01, 20619-014-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-011. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not established an effective internal control system to ensure the earmarking requirements for the Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) and the Non-Public Proportionate Share were met. Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) When an LEA is identified with significant disproportionality, they are required to expend exactly 15 percent of their total combined 611 and 619 allocation on CEIS expenses. The School Corporation had a mandatory CEIS amount of $254,650 for the 19611-014-PN01 grant. Per the submitted CEIS monitoring report, expenses related to CEIS were $273,292; however, no supporting documentation was provided with the report to substantiate this amount. Furthermore, the ledgers had expenses of $324,522 related to CEIS. As such we could not determine the amount spent for CEIS. Additionally, no documented review of the CEIS amounts expended was provided for audit to ensure the School Corporation would meet, but not exceed the required amount. The lack of internal controls, availability of supporting documentation, and noncompliance were isolated to the 19611-014-PN01 grant award. Non-Public Proportionate Share Proportionate share is an amount of funds that must be expended on special education or related services for parentally-placed private school and homeschooled students. Supporting documentation was not provided to substantiate the amounts reported as expensed for the nonpublic students. However, based on the expenses reported in the ledgers related to nonpublic schools, the required earmarking amounts for nonpublic proportionate share for the 19619-014-PN01, 20611-014-PN01, or 20619-014-PN01 grants was not spent. Additionally, no documented review of the amounts expended for proportionate share was provided for audit to ensure the School Corporation would spend the required amount. The lack of internal controls, availability of supporting documentation, and noncompliance were isolated to the 19619-014-PN01, 20611-014-PN01, and 20619-014-PN01 grant awards. 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). . . ." 34 CFR 300.226(a) states: "General. An LEA may not use more than 15 percent of the amount the LEA receives under Part B of the Act for any fiscal year, less any amount reduced by the LEA pursuant to ? 300.205, if any, in combination with other amounts (which may include amounts other than education funds), to develop and implement coordinated, early intervening services, which may include interagency financing structures, for students in kindergarten through grade 12 (with a particular emphasis on students in kindergarten through grade three) who are not currently identified as needing special education or related services, but who need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in a general education environment. (See appendix D for examples of how ? 300.205(d), regarding local maintenance of effort, and ? 300.226(a) affect one another.)" 2 CFR 200.207(a) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may impose additional specific 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 and facilities, 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 or facilities within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." Cause Management had not established an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance, or that supporting documentation would have been maintained and made available for audit, with the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective system of internal controls and to retain supporting documentation prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. 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 that documentation will be maintained and made available for audit and to comply with the grant agreement and the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking, compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-007 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-014-PN01, 19619-014-PN01, 20611-014-PN01, 20619-014-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context Reimbursement requests are submitted through the Indiana Department of Education information portal after review by the Executive Director of the Elkhart County Special Education Cooperative and the School Corporation's Treasurer. Supporting documentation was not provided to substantiate the amounts reported on the reimbursement requests. Ledgers provided during the audit were used to determine amounts requested by abstracting the expenses for each Special Education Fund. However, upon testing of the reimbursement requests it was determined that the documentation, or lack thereof, accompanying the reimbursement requests was not sufficient to prevent or detect noncompliance. Therefore, an internal control had not been properly designed and implemented. ? 19611-014-PN01 - Reimbursement request totaled $105,205, and ledger detail provided for audit totaled $110,703, with a variance of $5,498 recorded in the ledger but not requested for reimbursement. ? 20611-014-PN01 - Reimbursement request totaled $638,466, and ledger detail provided for audit totaled $597,441, with a variance of $41,025 over requested on the reimbursement. ? 19619-014-PN01 - Reimbursement request totaled $71,486, and ledger detail provided for audit totaled $69,527, with a variance of $1,959 over requested on the reimbursement. ? 20619-014-PN01 - Reimbursement request totaled $72,589, and ledger detail provided for audit totaled $72,031, with a variance of $558 over requested on the reimbursement. The lack of internal controls, availability of supporting documentation, 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 200.207(a) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may impose additional specific award conditions as needed, . . ." 2 CFR 200.327 states: "Unless otherwise approved by OMB, the Federal awarding agency may solicit only the standard, OMB-approved governmentwide data elements for collection of financial information (at time of publication the Federal Financial Report or such future collections as may be approved by OMB and listed on the OMB Web site). This information must be collected with the frequency required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award, but no less frequently than annually nor more frequently than quarterly except in unusual circumstances, for example where more frequent reporting is necessary for the effective monitoring of the Federal award or could significantly affect program outcomes, and preferably in coordination with performance reporting." Cause Management had not established an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance, or that supporting documentation would have been maintained and made available for audit, with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system and to retain supporting documentation prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. 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 that documentation will be maintained and made available for audit and to comply with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-011 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls 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): S010A190014, S010A200014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report regarding Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children. The prior audit finding number was 2020-018. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 42 GOSHEN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context Eligibility - Real Time Reports The School Corporation submits the October Real Time report each year to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). This data is used to report the School Corporation's enrollment and poverty (socioeconomic) status of the students enrolled in each school. The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls over the October Real Time reports. In addition, enrollment and poverty numbers for the nonpublic school were manually entered into the Title I Application by the Title I Director without an oversight or review process to prevent or detect errors. Eligibility - Direct Certifications/Income Applications A list of students that qualified for free and reduced-price meals through direct certification was periodically downloaded from the IDOE website and imported into the school lunch program. However, there were no documented internal controls to ensure the information was uploaded on a timely basis. Additionally, there was no documentation of an oversight or review process over the Direct Certification upload into the Food Service software which was used to determine free and reduced lunch eligibility. Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children Nonpublic school students are entitled to receive Title I services if they live in an eligible school attendance area and are failing or at risk of failing based on educational need. Planned services were provided to the nonpublic school students during the audit period; however, there was no internal control system in place to ensure the services were provided. 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 Management had not developed an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreements and the Eligibility and the Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance 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 Eligibility and the Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls related to the grant agreement and the Eligibility and the Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-011 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Internal Controls 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): S010A190014, S010A200014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility, Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children Audit Finding: Material Weakness Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report regarding Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children. The prior audit finding number was 2020-018. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 42 GOSHEN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context Eligibility - Real Time Reports The School Corporation submits the October Real Time report each year to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). This data is used to report the School Corporation's enrollment and poverty (socioeconomic) status of the students enrolled in each school. The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls over the October Real Time reports. In addition, enrollment and poverty numbers for the nonpublic school were manually entered into the Title I Application by the Title I Director without an oversight or review process to prevent or detect errors. Eligibility - Direct Certifications/Income Applications A list of students that qualified for free and reduced-price meals through direct certification was periodically downloaded from the IDOE website and imported into the school lunch program. However, there were no documented internal controls to ensure the information was uploaded on a timely basis. Additionally, there was no documentation of an oversight or review process over the Direct Certification upload into the Food Service software which was used to determine free and reduced lunch eligibility. Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children Nonpublic school students are entitled to receive Title I services if they live in an eligible school attendance area and are failing or at risk of failing based on educational need. Planned services were provided to the nonpublic school students during the audit period; however, there was no internal control system in place to ensure the services were provided. 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 Management had not developed an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreements and the Eligibility and the Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance 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 Eligibility and the Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls related to the grant agreement and the Eligibility and the Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-009 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425C, 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425C200018, S425D200013, S425U200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters 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 Reporting compliance requirement. The School Corporation completed and submitted four annual Data Collection reports (Reports) for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants and two Reports for the Governors Emergency Education Relief (GEER) grant. The reported data on three of the Reports as noted below could not be traced back to records that accumulate or summarize the data; therefore, the accuracy and completeness of the Reports could not be verified. ESSER I, Year 1 Report and GEER I, Year 1 Report The full-time equivalent (FTE) positions could not be verified. A spreadsheet that showed FTE positions was provided for audit; however, the spreadsheet had more FTE positions then what was reported due to the School Corporations software incorrectly assigning FTE positions to all items paid. ESSER III, Year 1 Report The School Corporation's ledgers indicated expenses totaling $43,084 were spent for salaries and stipends during the reporting period. However, these expenditures were not included in the report. 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 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally-funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 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 Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the 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. . . ." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and Reporting compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting 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 effective internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-010 Subject: COVID -19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425C Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Number): S425C200018 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children 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 Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance requirement. The current School Corporation Treasurer (Treasurer) was not employed at the time of the calculation; however, from what the current Treasurer could determine, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) grant specialist calculated the Governors Emergency Education Relief grant equitable share for each non-public school on behalf of the School Corporation. The calculated amount was then entered into the School Corporation's grant application. The calculation performed by the IDOE grant specialist was not verified by the School Corporation nor could they provide supporting documentation for the calculation. As such we could not determine the accuracy of the equitable share calculation for each non-public school. The lack of internal controls, availability of supporting documentation, 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). . . ." Public Law 116-136, Section 18005 states in part: "(a) IN GENERAL.?A local educational agency receiving funds under sections 18002 or 18003 of this title shall provide equitable services in the same manner as provided under section 1117 of the ESEA of 1965 to students and teachers in non-public schools, as determined in consultation with representatives of non-public schools. . . ." 20 USC 6320(a)(1) states: "To the extent consistent with the number of eligible children identified under section 6315(c) of this title in the school district served by a local educational agency who are enrolled in private elementary schools and secondary schools, a local educational agency shall - (A) after timely and meaningful consultation with appropriate private school officials, provide such children, on an equitable basis and individually or in combination, as requested by the officials to best meet the needs of such children, special educational services, instructional services (including evaluations to determine the progress being made in meeting such students' academic needs), counseling, mentoring, one-on-one tutoring, or other benefits under this part (such as dual or concurrent enrollment, educational radio and television, computer equipment and materials, other technology, and mobile educational services and equipment) that address their needs; and (B) ensure that teachers and families of the children participate, on an equitable basis, in services and activities developed pursuant to section 6318 of this title." Cause Management had not designed nor implemented a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective system of internal controls and to retain and provide appropriate supporting documentation prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the compliance requirement listed above. 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 documentation be maintained and made available for audit related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Participation of Private School Children compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles 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): S425D200013, S425U210013 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 An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. The School Corporation could not provide appropriate supporting documentation for 2 of 25 (8 percent) vendor disbursements selected for testing. Due to the lack of supporting documentation these disbursements were unable to be verified as allowable activities or costs. 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 200.333 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 Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 (Revised Uniform Guidance) 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 Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 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 federally financed and other activities of the non-Federal entity. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements could result in the loss 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 ensure documentation be maintained and made available for audit and to comply with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-009 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425C, 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425C200018, S425D200013, S425U200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters 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 Reporting compliance requirement. The School Corporation completed and submitted four annual Data Collection reports (Reports) for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants and two Reports for the Governors Emergency Education Relief (GEER) grant. The reported data on three of the Reports as noted below could not be traced back to records that accumulate or summarize the data; therefore, the accuracy and completeness of the Reports could not be verified. ESSER I, Year 1 Report and GEER I, Year 1 Report The full-time equivalent (FTE) positions could not be verified. A spreadsheet that showed FTE positions was provided for audit; however, the spreadsheet had more FTE positions then what was reported due to the School Corporations software incorrectly assigning FTE positions to all items paid. ESSER III, Year 1 Report The School Corporation's ledgers indicated expenses totaling $43,084 were spent for salaries and stipends during the reporting period. However, these expenditures were not included in the report. 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 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally-funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 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 Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the 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. . . ." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and Reporting compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting 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 effective internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles 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): S425D200013, S425U210013 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 An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. The School Corporation could not provide appropriate supporting documentation for 2 of 25 (8 percent) vendor disbursements selected for testing. Due to the lack of supporting documentation these disbursements were unable to be verified as allowable activities or costs. 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 200.333 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 Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 (Revised Uniform Guidance) 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 Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 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 federally financed and other activities of the non-Federal entity. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements could result in the loss 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 ensure documentation be maintained and made available for audit and to comply with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-009 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425C, 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425C200018, S425D200013, S425U200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters 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 Reporting compliance requirement. The School Corporation completed and submitted four annual Data Collection reports (Reports) for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants and two Reports for the Governors Emergency Education Relief (GEER) grant. The reported data on three of the Reports as noted below could not be traced back to records that accumulate or summarize the data; therefore, the accuracy and completeness of the Reports could not be verified. ESSER I, Year 1 Report and GEER I, Year 1 Report The full-time equivalent (FTE) positions could not be verified. A spreadsheet that showed FTE positions was provided for audit; however, the spreadsheet had more FTE positions then what was reported due to the School Corporations software incorrectly assigning FTE positions to all items paid. ESSER III, Year 1 Report The School Corporation's ledgers indicated expenses totaling $43,084 were spent for salaries and stipends during the reporting period. However, these expenditures were not included in the report. 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 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally-funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 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 Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the 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. . . ." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and Reporting compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting 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 effective internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-008 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles 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): S425D200013, S425U210013 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 An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. The School Corporation could not provide appropriate supporting documentation for 2 of 25 (8 percent) vendor disbursements selected for testing. Due to the lack of supporting documentation these disbursements were unable to be verified as allowable activities or costs. 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 200.333 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 Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 (Revised Uniform Guidance) 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 Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 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 federally financed and other activities of the non-Federal entity. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements could result in the loss 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 ensure documentation be maintained and made available for audit and to comply with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2022-009 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425C, 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425C200018, S425D200013, S425U200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters 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 Reporting compliance requirement. The School Corporation completed and submitted four annual Data Collection reports (Reports) for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants and two Reports for the Governors Emergency Education Relief (GEER) grant. The reported data on three of the Reports as noted below could not be traced back to records that accumulate or summarize the data; therefore, the accuracy and completeness of the Reports could not be verified. ESSER I, Year 1 Report and GEER I, Year 1 Report The full-time equivalent (FTE) positions could not be verified. A spreadsheet that showed FTE positions was provided for audit; however, the spreadsheet had more FTE positions then what was reported due to the School Corporations software incorrectly assigning FTE positions to all items paid. ESSER III, Year 1 Report The School Corporation's ledgers indicated expenses totaling $43,084 were spent for salaries and stipends during the reporting period. However, these expenditures were not included in the report. 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 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in ?? 200.328 and 200.329. . . . (3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally-funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 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 Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the 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. . . ." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and Reporting compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting 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 effective internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-21, FY 2021-22 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 repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-004. Condition and Context An effective internal controls system was not designed, nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement When the value of procurement of property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, customarily set at $250,000, a formal bid process must take place and a contract must be awarded. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $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. During fiscal year 2020-2021, the School Corporation purchased food and supply items from two vendors with total purchases that fell within the small purchase threshold. During 2021-2022, repair services were purchased from one vendor that fell within the small purchase threshold. Quotes were not obtained nor was full and open competition provided for the three vendors that fell within the small purchase threshold during the audit period. Additionally, there was no documentation available to support the rationale to limit competition. During 2020-2021 the School Corporation did not follow procurement requirements for purchases of food and supply items which exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation did not correctly procure a contract for the one vendor that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold. The School Corporation only considered one bid which did not adequately meet the formal procurement procedures for a simplified acquisition. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 14 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Suspension and Debarment Non-federal entities and contractors are subject to non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or are ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. This is done by checking SAM Exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. The School Corporation did not verify that one of four contracts over $25,000 was not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal award programs. 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(i) states: "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 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "(b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. (c) Procurement by sealed bids (formal advertising). Bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. . . . (d) Procurement by competitive proposals. The technique of competitive proposals is normally conducted with more than one source submitting an offer, and either a fixed price or cost reimbursement type contract is awarded. It is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . . " INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document 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. (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. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal control that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. 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 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-21, FY 2021-22 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 repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-004. Condition and Context An effective internal controls system was not designed, nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement When the value of procurement of property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, customarily set at $250,000, a formal bid process must take place and a contract must be awarded. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $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. During fiscal year 2020-2021, the School Corporation purchased food and supply items from two vendors with total purchases that fell within the small purchase threshold. During 2021-2022, repair services were purchased from one vendor that fell within the small purchase threshold. Quotes were not obtained nor was full and open competition provided for the three vendors that fell within the small purchase threshold during the audit period. Additionally, there was no documentation available to support the rationale to limit competition. During 2020-2021 the School Corporation did not follow procurement requirements for purchases of food and supply items which exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation did not correctly procure a contract for the one vendor that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold. The School Corporation only considered one bid which did not adequately meet the formal procurement procedures for a simplified acquisition. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 14 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Suspension and Debarment Non-federal entities and contractors are subject to non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or are ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. This is done by checking SAM Exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. The School Corporation did not verify that one of four contracts over $25,000 was not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal award programs. 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(i) states: "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 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "(b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. (c) Procurement by sealed bids (formal advertising). Bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. . . . (d) Procurement by competitive proposals. The technique of competitive proposals is normally conducted with more than one source submitting an offer, and either a fixed price or cost reimbursement type contract is awarded. It is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . . " INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document 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. (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. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal control that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. 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 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-21, FY 2021-22 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 repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-004. Condition and Context An effective internal controls system was not designed, nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement When the value of procurement of property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, customarily set at $250,000, a formal bid process must take place and a contract must be awarded. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $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. During fiscal year 2020-2021, the School Corporation purchased food and supply items from two vendors with total purchases that fell within the small purchase threshold. During 2021-2022, repair services were purchased from one vendor that fell within the small purchase threshold. Quotes were not obtained nor was full and open competition provided for the three vendors that fell within the small purchase threshold during the audit period. Additionally, there was no documentation available to support the rationale to limit competition. During 2020-2021 the School Corporation did not follow procurement requirements for purchases of food and supply items which exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation did not correctly procure a contract for the one vendor that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold. The School Corporation only considered one bid which did not adequately meet the formal procurement procedures for a simplified acquisition. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 14 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Suspension and Debarment Non-federal entities and contractors are subject to non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or are ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. This is done by checking SAM Exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. The School Corporation did not verify that one of four contracts over $25,000 was not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal award programs. 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(i) states: "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 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "(b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. (c) Procurement by sealed bids (formal advertising). Bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. . . . (d) Procurement by competitive proposals. The technique of competitive proposals is normally conducted with more than one source submitting an offer, and either a fixed price or cost reimbursement type contract is awarded. It is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . . " INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document 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. (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. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal control that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. 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 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-21, FY 2021-22 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 repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-004. Condition and Context An effective internal controls system was not designed, nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement When the value of procurement of property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, customarily set at $250,000, a formal bid process must take place and a contract must be awarded. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $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. During fiscal year 2020-2021, the School Corporation purchased food and supply items from two vendors with total purchases that fell within the small purchase threshold. During 2021-2022, repair services were purchased from one vendor that fell within the small purchase threshold. Quotes were not obtained nor was full and open competition provided for the three vendors that fell within the small purchase threshold during the audit period. Additionally, there was no documentation available to support the rationale to limit competition. During 2020-2021 the School Corporation did not follow procurement requirements for purchases of food and supply items which exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation did not correctly procure a contract for the one vendor that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold. The School Corporation only considered one bid which did not adequately meet the formal procurement procedures for a simplified acquisition. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 14 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Suspension and Debarment Non-federal entities and contractors are subject to non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or are ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. This is done by checking SAM Exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. The School Corporation did not verify that one of four contracts over $25,000 was not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal award programs. 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(i) states: "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 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "(b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. (c) Procurement by sealed bids (formal advertising). Bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. . . . (d) Procurement by competitive proposals. The technique of competitive proposals is normally conducted with more than one source submitting an offer, and either a fixed price or cost reimbursement type contract is awarded. It is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . . " INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document 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. (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. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal control that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. 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 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-21, FY 2021-22 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 repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-004. Condition and Context An effective internal controls system was not designed, nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement When the value of procurement of property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, customarily set at $250,000, a formal bid process must take place and a contract must be awarded. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $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. During fiscal year 2020-2021, the School Corporation purchased food and supply items from two vendors with total purchases that fell within the small purchase threshold. During 2021-2022, repair services were purchased from one vendor that fell within the small purchase threshold. Quotes were not obtained nor was full and open competition provided for the three vendors that fell within the small purchase threshold during the audit period. Additionally, there was no documentation available to support the rationale to limit competition. During 2020-2021 the School Corporation did not follow procurement requirements for purchases of food and supply items which exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation did not correctly procure a contract for the one vendor that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold. The School Corporation only considered one bid which did not adequately meet the formal procurement procedures for a simplified acquisition. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 14 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Suspension and Debarment Non-federal entities and contractors are subject to non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or are ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. This is done by checking SAM Exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. The School Corporation did not verify that one of four contracts over $25,000 was not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal award programs. 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(i) states: "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 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "(b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. (c) Procurement by sealed bids (formal advertising). Bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. . . . (d) Procurement by competitive proposals. The technique of competitive proposals is normally conducted with more than one source submitting an offer, and either a fixed price or cost reimbursement type contract is awarded. It is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . . " INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document 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. (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. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal control that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. 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 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, COVID-19 - School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, COVID-19 - National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2020-21, FY 2021-22 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 repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2020-004. Condition and Context An effective internal controls system was not designed, nor implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement When the value of procurement of property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, customarily set at $250,000, a formal bid process must take place and a contract must be awarded. Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold of $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. During fiscal year 2020-2021, the School Corporation purchased food and supply items from two vendors with total purchases that fell within the small purchase threshold. During 2021-2022, repair services were purchased from one vendor that fell within the small purchase threshold. Quotes were not obtained nor was full and open competition provided for the three vendors that fell within the small purchase threshold during the audit period. Additionally, there was no documentation available to support the rationale to limit competition. During 2020-2021 the School Corporation did not follow procurement requirements for purchases of food and supply items which exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000. The School Corporation did not correctly procure a contract for the one vendor that exceeded the simplified acquisition threshold. The School Corporation only considered one bid which did not adequately meet the formal procurement procedures for a simplified acquisition. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 14 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Suspension and Debarment Non-federal entities and contractors are subject to non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or are ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. This is done by checking SAM Exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. The School Corporation did not verify that one of four contracts over $25,000 was not excluded or disqualified from participation in federal award programs. 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(i) states: "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 (Uniform Guidance) states in part: "(b) Procurement by small purchase procedures. Small purchase procedures are those relatively simple and informal procurement methods for securing services, supplies, or other property that do not cost more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. (c) Procurement by sealed bids (formal advertising). Bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. . . . (d) Procurement by competitive proposals. The technique of competitive proposals is normally conducted with more than one source submitting an offer, and either a fixed price or cost reimbursement type contract is awarded. It is generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . . " INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 2 CFR 200.320 (Revised Uniform Guidance) states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document 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. (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. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states in part: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause Management had not established a system of internal control that would have ensured compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. 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 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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 Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Special Education Cluster - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-047-PN01, 19619-047-PN01, 20611-045-PN01, 20619-045-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation was a member of the Orange-Lawrence-Jackson-Martin-Greene Joint Services Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2020-2021, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its member schools. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the school corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 19611-047-PN01, 19619-047-PN01, 20611-045-PN01, and 20619-045-PN01 grant awards could not be verified for the individual member schools. Proportionate Share Monitoring Reports and other supporting documentation for amounts reported to the IDOE for Earmarking were not retained for audit. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant awards was expended and properly reported to the IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance applies to the 19611-047-PN01, 19619-047-PN01, 20611-045-PN01, and 20619-045-PN01 grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over 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's management had not developed an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreements and the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system, as well as adequately document costs of federal awards, prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish an effective system of internal controls, as well as appropriately document and identify federal award expenditures to ensure compliance with the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Special Education Cluster - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-047-PN01, 19619-047-PN01, 20611-045-PN01, 20619-045-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation was a member of the Orange-Lawrence-Jackson-Martin-Greene Joint Services Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2020-2021, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its member schools. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the school corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 19611-047-PN01, 19619-047-PN01, 20611-045-PN01, and 20619-045-PN01 grant awards could not be verified for the individual member schools. Proportionate Share Monitoring Reports and other supporting documentation for amounts reported to the IDOE for Earmarking were not retained for audit. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant awards was expended and properly reported to the IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance applies to the 19611-047-PN01, 19619-047-PN01, 20611-045-PN01, and 20619-045-PN01 grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over 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's management had not developed an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreements and the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system, as well as adequately document costs of federal awards, prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish an effective system of internal controls, as well as appropriately document and identify federal award expenditures to ensure compliance with the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Special Education Cluster - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-047-PN01, 19619-047-PN01, 20611-045-PN01, 20619-045-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation was a member of the Orange-Lawrence-Jackson-Martin-Greene Joint Services Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2020-2021, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its member schools. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the school corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 19611-047-PN01, 19619-047-PN01, 20611-045-PN01, and 20619-045-PN01 grant awards could not be verified for the individual member schools. Proportionate Share Monitoring Reports and other supporting documentation for amounts reported to the IDOE for Earmarking were not retained for audit. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant awards was expended and properly reported to the IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance applies to the 19611-047-PN01, 19619-047-PN01, 20611-045-PN01, and 20619-045-PN01 grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over 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's management had not developed an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreements and the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system, as well as adequately document costs of federal awards, prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish an effective system of internal controls, as well as appropriately document and identify federal award expenditures to ensure compliance with the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Subject: Special Education Cluster - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 19611-047-PN01, 19619-047-PN01, 20611-045-PN01, 20619-045-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation was a member of the Orange-Lawrence-Jackson-Martin-Greene Joint Services Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2020-2021, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its member schools. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the school corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 19611-047-PN01, 19619-047-PN01, 20611-045-PN01, and 20619-045-PN01 grant awards could not be verified for the individual member schools. Proportionate Share Monitoring Reports and other supporting documentation for amounts reported to the IDOE for Earmarking were not retained for audit. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant awards was expended and properly reported to the IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance applies to the 19611-047-PN01, 19619-047-PN01, 20611-045-PN01, and 20619-045-PN01 grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over 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's management had not developed an effective system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreements and the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system, as well as adequately document costs of federal awards, prevented the determination of the School Corporation's compliance with the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish an effective system of internal controls, as well as appropriately document and identify federal award expenditures to ensure compliance with the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
2022-004 Department of Agriculture Federal Assistance Listing #10.766 Community Facilities Loans and Grants Cluster Special Tests and Provisions Significant Deficiency 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 conditions of the federal award. Condition - During our testing, it was noted that one of the loan reserve accounts was underfunded by approximately $4,500. Cause - The Hospital did not have an adequate internal control policy in place to ensure the proper funding of the reserve accounts. Effect ? The lack of adequate policies governing proper funding of reserve accounts increases the risk that employees participating in the federal award administration may not be able to detect and correct noncompliance in a timely manner. Questioned Costs ? None reported Context/Sampling ? Sampling was not used. The Hospital has two reserve accounts that were tested. Repeat Findings from Prior Years ? No Recommendation - We recommend that the Hospital enhance internal control policies to ensure that there is proper funding of the reserve accounts. Views of Responsible Officials - Management agrees with the finding.
2022-004 Department of Agriculture Federal Assistance Listing #10.766 Community Facilities Loans and Grants Cluster Special Tests and Provisions Significant Deficiency 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 conditions of the federal award. Condition - During our testing, it was noted that one of the loan reserve accounts was underfunded by approximately $4,500. Cause - The Hospital did not have an adequate internal control policy in place to ensure the proper funding of the reserve accounts. Effect ? The lack of adequate policies governing proper funding of reserve accounts increases the risk that employees participating in the federal award administration may not be able to detect and correct noncompliance in a timely manner. Questioned Costs ? None reported Context/Sampling ? Sampling was not used. The Hospital has two reserve accounts that were tested. Repeat Findings from Prior Years ? No Recommendation - We recommend that the Hospital enhance internal control policies to ensure that there is proper funding of the reserve accounts. Views of Responsible Officials - Management agrees with the finding.
2022-004 Department of Agriculture Federal Assistance Listing #10.766 Community Facilities Loans and Grants Cluster Special Tests and Provisions Significant Deficiency 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 conditions of the federal award. Condition - During our testing, it was noted that one of the loan reserve accounts was underfunded by approximately $4,500. Cause - The Hospital did not have an adequate internal control policy in place to ensure the proper funding of the reserve accounts. Effect ? The lack of adequate policies governing proper funding of reserve accounts increases the risk that employees participating in the federal award administration may not be able to detect and correct noncompliance in a timely manner. Questioned Costs ? None reported Context/Sampling ? Sampling was not used. The Hospital has two reserve accounts that were tested. Repeat Findings from Prior Years ? No Recommendation - We recommend that the Hospital enhance internal control policies to ensure that there is proper funding of the reserve accounts. Views of Responsible Officials - Management agrees with the finding.
FINDING 2022-001 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment 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): 7000-S425D200013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management 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 Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. The School Corporation purchased $438,016 of equipment with COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund funds. The equipment was not added to the property record which would include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number), who holds title, the acquisition date, 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. 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 200.313(d)(1) states: "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 sales price of the property." Cause Management had not established a system of internal control that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property compliance requirement. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management 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 control to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
2022-001 Allowability ? Internal Control over Payroll and General Disbursements (Material Weakness and Noncompliance) Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Provider Relief Fund AL Number: 93.498 Award Period: Phase 2 Reporting (4/1/2020 - 12/31/2021) Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Noncompliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: According to ?200.303 Internal Controls of 2 CFR Part 200, 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: As part of our testing we noted that the Organization had a number of issues related to how it estimated and reported costs in the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Provider Relief Fund (PRF) reports which resulted in questions costs. We have outlined the questioned costs below: ? The Organization included payroll expense incurred related to time spent on COVID-19 related activities. We were able to confirm payroll expenses were incurred during the time period, in excess of the costs claimed, but the Organization was unable to produce support that the time included was related to prepare, respond and prevent COVID-19. Questioned Costs: $504,132 Context: The costs were identified during payroll testing. Cause: Management oversight and lack of clarity of the program terms and conditions. Effect: The auditor noted instances of noncompliance. Noncompliance results in possible over charges to the grant. Repeat Finding: N/A Recommendation: We recommend the Organization review the Provider Relief Fund Terms and Conditions and the Frequently Asked Questions to ensure the funds are being used in compliance with the requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding. Management?s Response: During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the distribution of the PRF dollars, there were many unknowns and many elements changed including criteria and timelines. These unknowns and changes resulted in confusion and uncertainty in allowable costs and tracking for payroll. The Organization will continue to review the PRF Terms and Conditions and understand these to the best of our knowledge. The Organization feels that because has loss of revenue in excess of the questioned costs, no funds will need to be returned. B. QUESTIONED COSTS Questioned costs totaled $504,132.
Finding 2022-001 ? COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting Repeat Finding: Partial Federal Program Title ? U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF COVID-19: HEERF Student Portion: 84.425E COVID-19: HEERF Minority Serving Institutions (MSI): 84.425L Federal Award Year 2021-2022 Condition City Colleges did not have sufficient documentation that internal controls were in place and operating effectively relative to the following areas: ? HEERF Student Reporting: City Colleges did not have sufficient supporting evidence that review controls were performed over the July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2021 quarterly student report prior to submission. ? HEERF MSI Reporting: City Colleges did not have sufficient supporting evidence that review controls were performed over the July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2021 quarterly student report prior to submission. City Colleges did not publicly post certain required reports accurately. The following instance of noncompliance was identified: ? HEERF Student Portion: City Colleges posted a report on July 8, 2022 for Wilbur Wright for the period of April 1, 2022 ? June 30, 2022 which did not reconcile to the underlying expense detail as of the date of the report. The difference was $307,750. Criteria There are three components to reporting for HEERF: (1) public reporting on the (a)(1) Student Aid Portion; (2) public reporting on the (a)(1) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3) subprograms, as applicable; and (3) the annual report. The institutional quarterly portion reporting requirements involve publicly posting completed forms on City College?s website. The forms must be conspicuously posted on City College?s primary website on the same page the reports of City College?s activities as to the emergency financial aid grants to students (Student Aid Portion) are posted. A new, separate form must be posted covering aggregate amounts spent for HEERF I, HEERF II, and HEERF III funds each quarterly reporting period (September 30, December 31, March 31, June 30), concluding after an institution has expended and liquidated all (a)(1) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3) funds and checks the ?final report? box. City Colleges must post this quarterly report form no later than 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter (October 10, January 10, April 10, July 10) apart from the first report, which was due October 30, 2020, and the report covering the first quarter of 2021, which was due July 10, 2021. According to an electronic announcement (EA) by the Department of Education (ED) on May 6, 2020, ED required institutions that received a HEERF 18004(a)(1) Student Aid Portion Aid award to publicly post certain information on their website no later than 30 days after award, and update that information every 45 days thereafter by posting a new report. On August 31, 2020, ED revised the EA with 85 FR 53802, which decreased the frequency of subsequent reporting from every 45 days to every calendar quarter. 2 CFR Section 200.303 requires entities receiving Federal awards establish and maintain internal controls deigned to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures in place to ensure the timely and accurate posting of reports. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs with respect to this finding. Cause City Colleges did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure reports were posted accurately due to the newness of the program and how quickly it was rolled out. Prevalence Infrequent. 63 reports were required to be submitted in fiscal year 2022 relative to HEERF Student, Institutional, MSI and Annual reporting. 1 report was inaccurate and 14 did not have sufficient evidence of review. Effect The submission of inaccurate reports is noncompliance with the requirements of the grant award and could result in loss of funding or other penalties. Recommendation We recommend City Colleges implement internal controls to ensure reports are posted accurately. Views of responsible officials We agree with this finding. See corrective action plan.
Finding 2022-001 ? COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting Repeat Finding: Partial Federal Program Title ? U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 Education Stabilization Fund Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF COVID-19: HEERF Student Portion: 84.425E COVID-19: HEERF Minority Serving Institutions (MSI): 84.425L Federal Award Year 2021-2022 Condition City Colleges did not have sufficient documentation that internal controls were in place and operating effectively relative to the following areas: ? HEERF Student Reporting: City Colleges did not have sufficient supporting evidence that review controls were performed over the July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2021 quarterly student report prior to submission. ? HEERF MSI Reporting: City Colleges did not have sufficient supporting evidence that review controls were performed over the July 1, 2021 ? September 30, 2021 quarterly student report prior to submission. City Colleges did not publicly post certain required reports accurately. The following instance of noncompliance was identified: ? HEERF Student Portion: City Colleges posted a report on July 8, 2022 for Wilbur Wright for the period of April 1, 2022 ? June 30, 2022 which did not reconcile to the underlying expense detail as of the date of the report. The difference was $307,750. Criteria There are three components to reporting for HEERF: (1) public reporting on the (a)(1) Student Aid Portion; (2) public reporting on the (a)(1) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3) subprograms, as applicable; and (3) the annual report. The institutional quarterly portion reporting requirements involve publicly posting completed forms on City College?s website. The forms must be conspicuously posted on City College?s primary website on the same page the reports of City College?s activities as to the emergency financial aid grants to students (Student Aid Portion) are posted. A new, separate form must be posted covering aggregate amounts spent for HEERF I, HEERF II, and HEERF III funds each quarterly reporting period (September 30, December 31, March 31, June 30), concluding after an institution has expended and liquidated all (a)(1) Institutional Portion, (a)(2), and (a)(3) funds and checks the ?final report? box. City Colleges must post this quarterly report form no later than 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter (October 10, January 10, April 10, July 10) apart from the first report, which was due October 30, 2020, and the report covering the first quarter of 2021, which was due July 10, 2021. According to an electronic announcement (EA) by the Department of Education (ED) on May 6, 2020, ED required institutions that received a HEERF 18004(a)(1) Student Aid Portion Aid award to publicly post certain information on their website no later than 30 days after award, and update that information every 45 days thereafter by posting a new report. On August 31, 2020, ED revised the EA with 85 FR 53802, which decreased the frequency of subsequent reporting from every 45 days to every calendar quarter. 2 CFR Section 200.303 requires entities receiving Federal awards establish and maintain internal controls deigned to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures in place to ensure the timely and accurate posting of reports. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs with respect to this finding. Cause City Colleges did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure reports were posted accurately due to the newness of the program and how quickly it was rolled out. Prevalence Infrequent. 63 reports were required to be submitted in fiscal year 2022 relative to HEERF Student, Institutional, MSI and Annual reporting. 1 report was inaccurate and 14 did not have sufficient evidence of review. Effect The submission of inaccurate reports is noncompliance with the requirements of the grant award and could result in loss of funding or other penalties. Recommendation We recommend City Colleges implement internal controls to ensure reports are posted accurately. Views of responsible officials We agree with this finding. See corrective action plan.
2022-003 HEERF Reporting U.S. Department of Education Program Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) subprograms section COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Student Aid portion (ALN 84.425E) COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Institutional Aid portion (ALN 84.425F) Federal Award Year: 2021?2022 Condition: While testing reporting, we noted that there were not controls or approvals over the reporting requirement for the HEERF program. Criteria: Per 2 CFR part 200.303, ?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.? Effective internal controls should include procedures in place to ensure the proper reviews and approvals are performed over required reporting. Cause: Management did not have effective internal controls in place to ensure that reviews and approvals were performed over the reports due to the newness of the program. In addition, management placed more focus on addressing student needs instead of implementing controls over reporting. Effect: Effective internal control over reporting was not established and maintained. There is the potential that future grant funding could be lost due to noncompliance with the award requirements. Prevalence: Two out of two reports tested. Questioned costs: None. Repeat finding?: Yes. Recommendation: Management should establish and maintain controls over reporting. View of responsible officials of the auditee: Management agrees with this finding.
Finding 2022-01 ? Lack of Internal Controls (Significant Deficiency) Criteria Title 2, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Subtitle A, Chapter II, Part 200, Subpart D, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations, Section 200.303 states ?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). (b) Comply with Federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal awards. (c) Evaluate and monitor the non-Federal entity?s compliance with statues, regulations and the terms and conditions of Federal awards. (d) Take prompt action when instances of noncompliance are identified including noncompliance identified in audit findings. (e) Take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally identifiable information and other information the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity designates as sensitive or the non-Federal entity considers sensitive consistent with applicable Federal, state, local, and tribal laws regarding privacy and obligations of confidentiality.? Condition During our testing of the Organization?s expenditures, we noted the following deficiencies in internal controls: 1. 3 of the 45 transactions selected for testing lacked sufficient and appropriate documentation to support the expenditure had been reviewed and approved. The 3 invoices were for office supplies. 2. 3 of the 13 employees selected for testing lacked a completed I-9 on file. Cause of Condition The Organization?s internal controls are not properly designed and enforced to be in line with Federal guidelines, particularly, CFR 200.303. Effect of Conditions The Organization used Federal Awards for expenditures without proper supporting documentation and without obtaining and maintaining adequate approvals. Recommendation We recommend the Organization establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal Awards in order to provide reasonable assurance that the Organization is managing the Awards in compliance with Federal statutes and regulations, as well as the terms and conditions set forth in the specific Federal Award.
Reference Number: 2022-002 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program: Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities Assistance Listing Number: 10.760 Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: 2 CFR 200.213 Suspension and Debarment restricts awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. 2 CFR 180.300 states that an entity may determine suspension and debarment status by: (a) Checking SAM (System for Award Management) Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person (7) Distribution of work to individuals and firms or economic considerations. Control: Per 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in ?Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government? issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the ?Internal Control Integrated Framework?, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The County could not provide supporting documentation that suspension and debarment status was determined prior to award. Context: The suspension and debarment status for three out of five vendors was not documented. Questioned costs: There are no questioned costs related to this finding as the vendors were not federally suspended or debarred. Cause: The County did not establish effective internal controls over suspension and debarment transactions Effect: The County is not in compliance with federal suspension and debarment regulations. Recommendation: The County should ensure they maintain supporting documentation to support their review of suspension and debarment status.
Reference Number: 2022-002 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program: Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities Assistance Listing Number: 10.760 Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: 2 CFR 200.213 Suspension and Debarment restricts awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. 2 CFR 180.300 states that an entity may determine suspension and debarment status by: (a) Checking SAM (System for Award Management) Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person (7) Distribution of work to individuals and firms or economic considerations. Control: Per 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in ?Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government? issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the ?Internal Control Integrated Framework?, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The County could not provide supporting documentation that suspension and debarment status was determined prior to award. Context: The suspension and debarment status for three out of five vendors was not documented. Questioned costs: There are no questioned costs related to this finding as the vendors were not federally suspended or debarred. Cause: The County did not establish effective internal controls over suspension and debarment transactions Effect: The County is not in compliance with federal suspension and debarment regulations. Recommendation: The County should ensure they maintain supporting documentation to support their review of suspension and debarment status.
Reference Number: 2022-002 Prior Year Finding: No Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program: Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities Assistance Listing Number: 10.760 Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: 2 CFR 200.213 Suspension and Debarment restricts awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. 2 CFR 180.300 states that an entity may determine suspension and debarment status by: (a) Checking SAM (System for Award Management) Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person (7) Distribution of work to individuals and firms or economic considerations. Control: Per 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in ?Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government? issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the ?Internal Control Integrated Framework?, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The County could not provide supporting documentation that suspension and debarment status was determined prior to award. Context: The suspension and debarment status for three out of five vendors was not documented. Questioned costs: There are no questioned costs related to this finding as the vendors were not federally suspended or debarred. Cause: The County did not establish effective internal controls over suspension and debarment transactions Effect: The County is not in compliance with federal suspension and debarment regulations. Recommendation: The County should ensure they maintain supporting documentation to support their review of suspension and debarment status.
2022-002 Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Name: COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund Assistance Listing Number: 93.498 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P3-16420745516 - 2022 Award Period: January 1, 2020 ? June 30, 2022 Type of Finding: ? Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance ? Other Matter - 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 the federal statutes, regulations, and conditions of the federal award. The Provider Relief Funds were provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 563) and are to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus and that the funds shall reimburse the recipient only for health care related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to coronavirus. Condition: During our testing, we noted that the Organization used budgets included in the lost revenue calculation that were not approved prior to March 27, 2020. While the budget covering the period of availability from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 was approved on May 20, 2019, the budgets covering the period of availability from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 and July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 were approved on June 29, 2020 and May 24, 2021, respectively. Questioned Costs: None Context: During our testing, we noted that there were certain budgets included in the lost revenue calculation that were not approved prior to March 27, 2020, as required. Cause: Insufficient internal controls of reporting. Effect: The lack of timely approved budgets. Repeat Finding: N/A. Recommendation: We recommend that management implement procedures to ensure budget approvals are received timely. Views of Responsible Officials of the Auditee: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Program: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Financial Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Award Year: 2021/22 Grant Number: N/A Compliance Requirement: Reporting Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Criteria: 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), Internal Controls, states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. The City must submit an annual Project and Expenditure Report for this program. Condition: While the City prepared and had adequate supporting documentation for the Project and Expenditure Report, there was no documented evidence of review or approval prior to submission. Cause: The City prepared the Project and Expenditure Report and submitted without retaining evidence that the report was reviewed and approved by a separate individual prior to submission. Effect: Documentation was not available to support the review of the report prior to submission. Questioned Costs: None Context/Sampling: The entire population of one Project and Expenditure Report submitted during the year was selected for testing. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No Recommendation: We recommend the City enhance internal controls to ensure supporting documentation, including evidence of review, is retained for the Project and Expenditure Report. Views of Responsible Official: Management agrees. See separately issued Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2022-003 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch, Summer Food Service Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2021, FY2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness 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). . . ." 7 CFR 210.8(a) states in part: "Internal controls. The school food authority shall establish internal controls which ensure the accuracy of meal counts prior to the submission of the monthly Claim for Reimbursement. At a minimum, these internal controls shall include: an on-site review of the meal counting and claiming system employed by each school within the jurisdiction of the school food authority; comparisons of daily free, reduced price and paid meal counts against data which will assist in the identification of meal counts in excess of the number of free, reduced price and paid meals served each day to children eligible for such meals; and a system for following up on those meal counts which suggest the likelihood of meal counting problems. . . ." 7 CFR 210.7(c) states in part: "Reimbursement limitations. To be entitled to reimbursement under this part, each school food authority shall ensure that Claims for Reimbursement are limited to the number of free, reduced price and paid lunches and meal supplements that are served to children eligible for free, reduced price and paid lunches and meal supplements, respectively, for each day of operation. . . ." 7 CFR 220.11(d) states in part: "The school food authority shall establish internal controls which ensure the accuracy of breakfast counts prior to the submission of the monthly Claim for Reimbursement. At a minimum, these internal controls shall include: an on-site review of the breakfast counting and claiming system employed by each school within the jurisdiction of the school food authority; comparisons of daily free, reduced price and paid breakfast counts against data which will assist in the identification of breakfast counts in excess of the number of free, reduced price and paid breakfasts served each day to children eligible for such breakfasts; and a system for following up on those breakfast counts which suggest the likelihood of breakfast counting problems. . . ." 7 CFR 225.15(c) states in part: "Records and claims. 1. Sponsors shall maintain accurate records justifying all meals claimed . . ." 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 Reporting compliance requirement. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: Monthly Sponsor Claims for Reimbursement (Claims) were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) based upon meals served for the month. The Claims were prepared by the Food Service Director without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. For three of the four Claims tested, there were differences between the Claims submitted and the School Corporation's summary meal count reports. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. 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 Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-003 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch, Summer Food Service Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2021, FY2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness 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). . . ." 7 CFR 210.8(a) states in part: "Internal controls. The school food authority shall establish internal controls which ensure the accuracy of meal counts prior to the submission of the monthly Claim for Reimbursement. At a minimum, these internal controls shall include: an on-site review of the meal counting and claiming system employed by each school within the jurisdiction of the school food authority; comparisons of daily free, reduced price and paid meal counts against data which will assist in the identification of meal counts in excess of the number of free, reduced price and paid meals served each day to children eligible for such meals; and a system for following up on those meal counts which suggest the likelihood of meal counting problems. . . ." 7 CFR 210.7(c) states in part: "Reimbursement limitations. To be entitled to reimbursement under this part, each school food authority shall ensure that Claims for Reimbursement are limited to the number of free, reduced price and paid lunches and meal supplements that are served to children eligible for free, reduced price and paid lunches and meal supplements, respectively, for each day of operation. . . ." 7 CFR 220.11(d) states in part: "The school food authority shall establish internal controls which ensure the accuracy of breakfast counts prior to the submission of the monthly Claim for Reimbursement. At a minimum, these internal controls shall include: an on-site review of the breakfast counting and claiming system employed by each school within the jurisdiction of the school food authority; comparisons of daily free, reduced price and paid breakfast counts against data which will assist in the identification of breakfast counts in excess of the number of free, reduced price and paid breakfasts served each day to children eligible for such breakfasts; and a system for following up on those breakfast counts which suggest the likelihood of breakfast counting problems. . . ." 7 CFR 225.15(c) states in part: "Records and claims. 1. Sponsors shall maintain accurate records justifying all meals claimed . . ." 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 Reporting compliance requirement. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: Monthly Sponsor Claims for Reimbursement (Claims) were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) based upon meals served for the month. The Claims were prepared by the Food Service Director without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. For three of the four Claims tested, there were differences between the Claims submitted and the School Corporation's summary meal count reports. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. 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 Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-003 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch, Summer Food Service Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2021, FY2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness 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). . . ." 7 CFR 210.8(a) states in part: "Internal controls. The school food authority shall establish internal controls which ensure the accuracy of meal counts prior to the submission of the monthly Claim for Reimbursement. At a minimum, these internal controls shall include: an on-site review of the meal counting and claiming system employed by each school within the jurisdiction of the school food authority; comparisons of daily free, reduced price and paid meal counts against data which will assist in the identification of meal counts in excess of the number of free, reduced price and paid meals served each day to children eligible for such meals; and a system for following up on those meal counts which suggest the likelihood of meal counting problems. . . ." 7 CFR 210.7(c) states in part: "Reimbursement limitations. To be entitled to reimbursement under this part, each school food authority shall ensure that Claims for Reimbursement are limited to the number of free, reduced price and paid lunches and meal supplements that are served to children eligible for free, reduced price and paid lunches and meal supplements, respectively, for each day of operation. . . ." 7 CFR 220.11(d) states in part: "The school food authority shall establish internal controls which ensure the accuracy of breakfast counts prior to the submission of the monthly Claim for Reimbursement. At a minimum, these internal controls shall include: an on-site review of the breakfast counting and claiming system employed by each school within the jurisdiction of the school food authority; comparisons of daily free, reduced price and paid breakfast counts against data which will assist in the identification of breakfast counts in excess of the number of free, reduced price and paid breakfasts served each day to children eligible for such breakfasts; and a system for following up on those breakfast counts which suggest the likelihood of breakfast counting problems. . . ." 7 CFR 225.15(c) states in part: "Records and claims. 1. Sponsors shall maintain accurate records justifying all meals claimed . . ." 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 Reporting compliance requirement. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: Monthly Sponsor Claims for Reimbursement (Claims) were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) based upon meals served for the month. The Claims were prepared by the Food Service Director without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. For three of the four Claims tested, there were differences between the Claims submitted and the School Corporation's summary meal count reports. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. 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 Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-003 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch, Summer Food Service Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2021, FY2022 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness 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). . . ." 7 CFR 210.8(a) states in part: "Internal controls. The school food authority shall establish internal controls which ensure the accuracy of meal counts prior to the submission of the monthly Claim for Reimbursement. At a minimum, these internal controls shall include: an on-site review of the meal counting and claiming system employed by each school within the jurisdiction of the school food authority; comparisons of daily free, reduced price and paid meal counts against data which will assist in the identification of meal counts in excess of the number of free, reduced price and paid meals served each day to children eligible for such meals; and a system for following up on those meal counts which suggest the likelihood of meal counting problems. . . ." 7 CFR 210.7(c) states in part: "Reimbursement limitations. To be entitled to reimbursement under this part, each school food authority shall ensure that Claims for Reimbursement are limited to the number of free, reduced price and paid lunches and meal supplements that are served to children eligible for free, reduced price and paid lunches and meal supplements, respectively, for each day of operation. . . ." 7 CFR 220.11(d) states in part: "The school food authority shall establish internal controls which ensure the accuracy of breakfast counts prior to the submission of the monthly Claim for Reimbursement. At a minimum, these internal controls shall include: an on-site review of the breakfast counting and claiming system employed by each school within the jurisdiction of the school food authority; comparisons of daily free, reduced price and paid breakfast counts against data which will assist in the identification of breakfast counts in excess of the number of free, reduced price and paid breakfasts served each day to children eligible for such breakfasts; and a system for following up on those breakfast counts which suggest the likelihood of breakfast counting problems. . . ." 7 CFR 225.15(c) states in part: "Records and claims. 1. Sponsors shall maintain accurate records justifying all meals claimed . . ." 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 Reporting compliance requirement. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: Monthly Sponsor Claims for Reimbursement (Claims) were submitted to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) based upon meals served for the month. The Claims were prepared by the Food Service Director without an oversight or review process in place to prevent, or detect and correct, errors. For three of the four Claims tested, there were differences between the Claims submitted and the School Corporation's summary meal count reports. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. 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 Reporting compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A170014; S010A190014; S010A200014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness 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 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 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: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system could have enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation had not designed or implemented a system of internal control to ensure the poverty status of each student was accurate. The free and reduced applications were completed by parents online and the poverty status was then calculated based on the guidelines input into the system. The income guidelines were updated by the software vendor without an oversight or review process by the School Corporation to ensure the accuracy of the information. Additionally, one employee uploaded the Direct Certification reports from the state into the software system without a documented oversight or review process to ensure direct certified students were properly processed. The lack of controls was a systematic issue throughout the audit period. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance Requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A190014; S010A20014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency 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 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)...." 20 USC 6318(a)(3) states in part: "(A) In general. Each local educational agency shall reserve at least 1 percent of its allocation under subpart 2 to assist schools to carry out the activities described in this section, except that this subparagraph shall not apply if 1 percent of such agency's allocation under subpart 2 for the fiscal year for which the determination is made is $5,000 or less. Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to limit local educational agencies from reserving more than 1 percent of its allocation under subpart 2 to assist schools to carry out activities described in this section. . . . 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 earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement could result in the loss of further federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation had not implemented controls to ensure that the required level of expenditures for Parental Involvement were spent. Expenditures for Parental Involvement were $4,129 and $9,556 below the minimum required per the approved grant application for grants S010A190014 andSA010A200014, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the S010A190014 and S010A200014 grant awards. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation?s management establish effective internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
2022-004 Department of Housing and Urban Development Emergency Solutions Grants Program, Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.231 Earmarking Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Grant Award Number: Affects all grant awards included under Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.231 on the Schedule. 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 conditions of the federal award. Condition: For the two earmarking calculations, there was no formal documentation of a secondary review of the earmarking calculation. Cause: The Organization has designed internal controls over this area; however, the controls were not performed. Effect: The condition may affect the Organization?s ability to support compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: Two earmarking calculations out of two were selected for testing for the program. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): Yes, Finding #2021-009 Recommendation: We recommend the procedures related to earmarking be reviewed with applicable program employees to ensure proper documentation and review is properly supported and the documentation is retained. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
2022-004 Department of Housing and Urban Development Emergency Solutions Grants Program, Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.231 Earmarking Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Grant Award Number: Affects all grant awards included under Federal Financial Assistance Listing 14.231 on the Schedule. 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 conditions of the federal award. Condition: For the two earmarking calculations, there was no formal documentation of a secondary review of the earmarking calculation. Cause: The Organization has designed internal controls over this area; however, the controls were not performed. Effect: The condition may affect the Organization?s ability to support compliance with earmarking requirements. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context/Sampling: Two earmarking calculations out of two were selected for testing for the program. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): Yes, Finding #2021-009 Recommendation: We recommend the procedures related to earmarking be reviewed with applicable program employees to ensure proper documentation and review is properly supported and the documentation is retained. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding.
FINDING 2022-006 Information on the federal program: Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Assessment System Security Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A170014; S010A190014; S010A200014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Assessment System Security Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency 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 providesreasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliancewith Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Theseinternal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in theFederal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal ControlIntegrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the TreadwayCommission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.207(a) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may impose additional specific award conditions as needed. . . ." 511 IAC 5-5-5(b) states: "Any individual who administers, handles, or has access to secure test materials at the school or school corporation shall complete assessment training and sign a testing security and integrity agreement to remain on file in the appropriate building-level office each year." 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 - Assessment System Security compliance requirement. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Special Tests and Provisions - Assessment System Security compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Assessment System Security 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 not established effective internal controls to ensure applicable employees received proper training over test and security administration. The School Corporation had implemented a policy in which all applicable employees were to be provided training annually. However, documentation of training for six of 40 employees could not be provided. The six employees were in a position and location that had contact with the testing materials and therefore should have received the training. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and Special Tests and Provisions - Assessment System Security compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A170014; S010A190014; S010A200014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness 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 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 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: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system could have enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation had not designed or implemented a system of internal control to ensure the poverty status of each student was accurate. The free and reduced applications were completed by parents online and the poverty status was then calculated based on the guidelines input into the system. The income guidelines were updated by the software vendor without an oversight or review process by the School Corporation to ensure the accuracy of the information. Additionally, one employee uploaded the Direct Certification reports from the state into the software system without a documented oversight or review process to ensure direct certified students were properly processed. The lack of controls was a systematic issue throughout the audit period. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance Requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A190014; S010A20014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency 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 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)...." 20 USC 6318(a)(3) states in part: "(A) In general. Each local educational agency shall reserve at least 1 percent of its allocation under subpart 2 to assist schools to carry out the activities described in this section, except that this subparagraph shall not apply if 1 percent of such agency's allocation under subpart 2 for the fiscal year for which the determination is made is $5,000 or less. Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to limit local educational agencies from reserving more than 1 percent of its allocation under subpart 2 to assist schools to carry out activities described in this section. . . . 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 earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement could result in the loss of further federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation had not implemented controls to ensure that the required level of expenditures for Parental Involvement were spent. Expenditures for Parental Involvement were $4,129 and $9,556 below the minimum required per the approved grant application for grants S010A190014 andSA010A200014, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the S010A190014 and S010A200014 grant awards. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation?s management establish effective internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-006 Information on the federal program: Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Special Tests and Provisions - Assessment System Security Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A170014; S010A190014; S010A200014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Assessment System Security Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency 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 providesreasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliancewith Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Theseinternal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in theFederal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal ControlIntegrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the TreadwayCommission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.207(a) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may impose additional specific award conditions as needed. . . ." 511 IAC 5-5-5(b) states: "Any individual who administers, handles, or has access to secure test materials at the school or school corporation shall complete assessment training and sign a testing security and integrity agreement to remain on file in the appropriate building-level office each year." 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 - Assessment System Security compliance requirement. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Special Tests and Provisions - Assessment System Security compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Assessment System Security 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 not established effective internal controls to ensure applicable employees received proper training over test and security administration. The School Corporation had implemented a policy in which all applicable employees were to be provided training annually. However, documentation of training for six of 40 employees could not be provided. The six employees were in a position and location that had contact with the testing materials and therefore should have received the training. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the grant agreement and Special Tests and Provisions - Assessment System Security compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A170014; S010A190014; S010A200014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness 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 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 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: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system could have enabled noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation had not designed or implemented a system of internal control to ensure the poverty status of each student was accurate. The free and reduced applications were completed by parents online and the poverty status was then calculated based on the guidelines input into the system. The income guidelines were updated by the software vendor without an oversight or review process by the School Corporation to ensure the accuracy of the information. Additionally, one employee uploaded the Direct Certification reports from the state into the software system without a documented oversight or review process to ensure direct certified students were properly processed. The lack of controls was a systematic issue throughout the audit period. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance Requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2022-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listing Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A190014; S010A20014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency 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 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)...." 20 USC 6318(a)(3) states in part: "(A) In general. Each local educational agency shall reserve at least 1 percent of its allocation under subpart 2 to assist schools to carry out the activities described in this section, except that this subparagraph shall not apply if 1 percent of such agency's allocation under subpart 2 for the fiscal year for which the determination is made is $5,000 or less. Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to limit local educational agencies from reserving more than 1 percent of its allocation under subpart 2 to assist schools to carry out activities described in this section. . . . 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 earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Cause: Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the grant agreement and the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement could result in the loss of further federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation had not implemented controls to ensure that the required level of expenditures for Parental Involvement were spent. Expenditures for Parental Involvement were $4,129 and $9,556 below the minimum required per the approved grant application for grants S010A190014 andSA010A200014, respectively. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the S010A190014 and S010A200014 grant awards. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation?s management establish effective internal controls to ensure compliance and comply with the earmarking requirements of the Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking compliance requirement. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.