FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022 - 2023, FY 2023 - 2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. The School Corporation did not verify that all vendors with covered transactions that equaled or exceeded $25,000 were not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal award programs. The School Corporation had three covered transactions during the audit period with two different vendors. The School Corporation provided the formal contract for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 for one of the vendors that included a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. The second vendor did not have a formal contract associated with the covered transaction and the School Corporation did not check the SAM exclusions or collect a certification from that vendor. The School Corporation did not establish internal controls to ensure that someone is checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification, or ensuring there is a clause or condition to covered transactions. The lack of internal controls was systemic throughout the audit period. The noncompliance was isolated to 2024. 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 180.300 states: "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 the SAM.gov Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation. Although the School Corporation was aware of this requirement and verified that a suspension and debarment clause was included in one of its vendor's contract, they were not aware that the requirement also applied for covered transactions without a formal contract. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation cannot ensure that the vendors paid with federal funds were eligible to participate in federal programs. Any program funds the School Corporation used to pay vendors that were suspended and debarred would be unallowable, and the awarding agency could potentially recover them. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-042-ARP, 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement and the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for the simplified acquisition threshold and for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Procurement When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold. Therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. When the purchase value exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but is less than the simplified acquisition threshold, a small purchase occurs. Small purchases require documented full and open competition or a documented rationale for limited competition. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor, with disbursements totaling $379,313, which exceeded the SAT threshold of $150,000. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements in the amount of $55,374, which were less than the SAT threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $50,000 micro-purchase threshold and was selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2023-2024, three vendors with disbursements totaling $175,125 were identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeding the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes for two of the three vendors and there was no documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts, for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative disclosed there were not any documented internal controls or procedures. Nine covered transactions were identified. The covered transactions, totaling $803,836, were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not verify the suspension and debarment status of the tested vendors prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic 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 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (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. . . . (b) Formal Procurement Methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which 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. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "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.gov Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted that the ARP portion of the Special Education grant was new for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The ARP funding gave opportunity for types of expenditures that do not typically get expensed using Special Education funding. The transactions noted within the Condition and Context were from the ARP portion of the grant, which provided property or services that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold. Management of the Cooperative was unaware of the procurement requirements when property or services exceed the micro-purchase threshold. In addition, management of the Cooperative was unaware of the suspension and debarment requirements when a covered transaction is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Unverified vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 could be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the reduction of future federal funding to the Cooperative. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Cooperative's management design and implement a system of internal controls related to procurement and suspension and debarment procedures to ensure procurement requirements are met and to ensure entities are neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-042-ARP, 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement and the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for the simplified acquisition threshold and for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Procurement When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold. Therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. When the purchase value exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but is less than the simplified acquisition threshold, a small purchase occurs. Small purchases require documented full and open competition or a documented rationale for limited competition. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor, with disbursements totaling $379,313, which exceeded the SAT threshold of $150,000. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements in the amount of $55,374, which were less than the SAT threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $50,000 micro-purchase threshold and was selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2023-2024, three vendors with disbursements totaling $175,125 were identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeding the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes for two of the three vendors and there was no documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts, for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative disclosed there were not any documented internal controls or procedures. Nine covered transactions were identified. The covered transactions, totaling $803,836, were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not verify the suspension and debarment status of the tested vendors prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic 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 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (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. . . . (b) Formal Procurement Methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which 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. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "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.gov Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted that the ARP portion of the Special Education grant was new for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The ARP funding gave opportunity for types of expenditures that do not typically get expensed using Special Education funding. The transactions noted within the Condition and Context were from the ARP portion of the grant, which provided property or services that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold. Management of the Cooperative was unaware of the procurement requirements when property or services exceed the micro-purchase threshold. In addition, management of the Cooperative was unaware of the suspension and debarment requirements when a covered transaction is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Unverified vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 could be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the reduction of future federal funding to the Cooperative. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Cooperative's management design and implement a system of internal controls related to procurement and suspension and debarment procedures to ensure procurement requirements are met and to ensure entities are neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-042-ARP, 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement and the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for the simplified acquisition threshold and for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Procurement When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold. Therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. When the purchase value exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but is less than the simplified acquisition threshold, a small purchase occurs. Small purchases require documented full and open competition or a documented rationale for limited competition. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor, with disbursements totaling $379,313, which exceeded the SAT threshold of $150,000. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements in the amount of $55,374, which were less than the SAT threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $50,000 micro-purchase threshold and was selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2023-2024, three vendors with disbursements totaling $175,125 were identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeding the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes for two of the three vendors and there was no documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts, for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative disclosed there were not any documented internal controls or procedures. Nine covered transactions were identified. The covered transactions, totaling $803,836, were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not verify the suspension and debarment status of the tested vendors prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic 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 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (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. . . . (b) Formal Procurement Methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which 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. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "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.gov Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted that the ARP portion of the Special Education grant was new for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The ARP funding gave opportunity for types of expenditures that do not typically get expensed using Special Education funding. The transactions noted within the Condition and Context were from the ARP portion of the grant, which provided property or services that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold. Management of the Cooperative was unaware of the procurement requirements when property or services exceed the micro-purchase threshold. In addition, management of the Cooperative was unaware of the suspension and debarment requirements when a covered transaction is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Unverified vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 could be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the reduction of future federal funding to the Cooperative. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Cooperative's management design and implement a system of internal controls related to procurement and suspension and debarment procedures to ensure procurement requirements are met and to ensure entities are neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-042-ARP, 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement and the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for the simplified acquisition threshold and for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Procurement When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold. Therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. When the purchase value exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but is less than the simplified acquisition threshold, a small purchase occurs. Small purchases require documented full and open competition or a documented rationale for limited competition. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor, with disbursements totaling $379,313, which exceeded the SAT threshold of $150,000. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements in the amount of $55,374, which were less than the SAT threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $50,000 micro-purchase threshold and was selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2023-2024, three vendors with disbursements totaling $175,125 were identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeding the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes for two of the three vendors and there was no documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts, for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative disclosed there were not any documented internal controls or procedures. Nine covered transactions were identified. The covered transactions, totaling $803,836, were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not verify the suspension and debarment status of the tested vendors prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic 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 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (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. . . . (b) Formal Procurement Methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which 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. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "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.gov Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted that the ARP portion of the Special Education grant was new for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The ARP funding gave opportunity for types of expenditures that do not typically get expensed using Special Education funding. The transactions noted within the Condition and Context were from the ARP portion of the grant, which provided property or services that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold. Management of the Cooperative was unaware of the procurement requirements when property or services exceed the micro-purchase threshold. In addition, management of the Cooperative was unaware of the suspension and debarment requirements when a covered transaction is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Unverified vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 could be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the reduction of future federal funding to the Cooperative. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Cooperative's management design and implement a system of internal controls related to procurement and suspension and debarment procedures to ensure procurement requirements are met and to ensure entities are neither suspended nor debarred, or otherwise excluded or disqualified prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Compliance Requirement: Reporting Criteria Per 34 CFR 668, Institutions must report student disbursement data within 15 calendar days after the institution makes a disbursement or becomes aware of the need to make an adjustment to previously reported student disbursement data or expected student disbursement data. Institutions may do this by reporting once every 15 calendar days, bi-weekly or weekly, or may set up their own system to ensure that changes are reported in a timely manner. In addition, CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, 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 Found The University did not have controls appropriately designed to ensure timely reporting of disbursements to the Department of Education Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system. Specifically, during our testing, we selected a sample of 40 students to recalculate the days between disbursements and the reporting of disbursements to COD. Three of our selections (two graduate students and one undergraduate student) were not submitted within the required 15-day window. These students were part of a population that the University attempted to submit to COD timely but, due to system errors, that submission was not transmitted. The University later discovered this and resubmitted the information 4 days after the due date. The University’s controls were not designed to ensure those errors were resolved timely. Cause and Effect The University did not design its controls to ensure error reports with the COD were resolved on a timely basis to ensure disbursements were reported on a timely basis. Each of the errors were resolved and information was ultimately reported to the COD, however, not within the 15-day window. Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeat finding in the immediately prior audit. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University improve related control to ensure disbursements are reported to the Department of Education within the 15-day requirement. Views of Responsible Officials The University agrees with the condition reported. The responsible department did initiate the student report transmittal to the COD, however a system error prevented it from reaching the COD. The University updated its control processes to ensure the COD confirms receipt of the student report transmittals to mitigate such errors for future reporting.
Compliance Requirement: Reporting Criteria Per 34 CFR 668, Institutions must report student disbursement data within 15 calendar days after the institution makes a disbursement or becomes aware of the need to make an adjustment to previously reported student disbursement data or expected student disbursement data. Institutions may do this by reporting once every 15 calendar days, bi-weekly or weekly, or may set up their own system to ensure that changes are reported in a timely manner. In addition, CFR 200.303 requires nonfederal entities to, among other things, 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 Found The University did not have controls appropriately designed to ensure timely reporting of disbursements to the Department of Education Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) system. Specifically, during our testing, we selected a sample of 40 students to recalculate the days between disbursements and the reporting of disbursements to COD. Three of our selections (two graduate students and one undergraduate student) were not submitted within the required 15-day window. These students were part of a population that the University attempted to submit to COD timely but, due to system errors, that submission was not transmitted. The University later discovered this and resubmitted the information 4 days after the due date. The University’s controls were not designed to ensure those errors were resolved timely. Cause and Effect The University did not design its controls to ensure error reports with the COD were resolved on a timely basis to ensure disbursements were reported on a timely basis. Each of the errors were resolved and information was ultimately reported to the COD, however, not within the 15-day window. Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeat finding in the immediately prior audit. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend the University improve related control to ensure disbursements are reported to the Department of Education within the 15-day requirement. Views of Responsible Officials The University agrees with the condition reported. The responsible department did initiate the student report transmittal to the COD, however a system error prevented it from reaching the COD. The University updated its control processes to ensure the COD confirms receipt of the student report transmittals to mitigate such errors for future reporting.
(3) Findings and Questioned Costs Relating to Federal Awards: Finding 2024 001 Lack of review and approval of Time and Effort Reporting Finding Type: Significant Deficiency Federal Program Name: Immunization Cooperative Agreements Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ALN # and Program Expenditures: 93.268 ($688,344) Federal Award Year: N/A Questioned Costs: None Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed Condition Found In performing the monthly time and effort reporting certification and sign-off, management had not established adequate internal controls to ensure the completeness of time and effort certification in accordance with federal regulations, resulting in 4 of 58 (6.9%) submissions missing staff attestations and 2 submissions missing attestation dates. Additionally, for February 2024 time and effort report, while the manager initialed the time and effort report spreadsheet for each attesting employee, their signature was missing to certify their review and approval of the overall monthly submission. Criteria Per 2 CFR 200.303, guidance requires non-Federal entities to, among other things, 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 establishing and maintaining adequate controls over the certification of time and effort reporting required for the program. Cause Management did not have appropriate and sufficient review controls in place during the fiscal year to ensure the completeness of time and effort reporting attestation and certification. Possible Asserted Effect Failure to properly review and approve time and effort reports may result in inaccurate time and effort allocations being charged to the program. In this particular case, this did not occur as the employees did record their own hours and were 100% allocated to the specific grant. Repeat Finding No similar finding was reported in prior year audits. Statistical Sampling The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Recommendation We recommend management review its current process for ensuring time and effort reporting attestation and certifications are properly reviewed and approved by the manager/supervisor before they are submitted to the Grant office and Finance. Views of Responsible Officials FTCH recognizes the observations made by KPMG, and has drafted a Corrective Action response.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.430 states in part: Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the non-Federal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-Federal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-Federal entity (See paragraph (h)(1)(ii) above for treatment of incidental work for IHEs.); and vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the activities allowed or unallowed and allowable costs/cost principle compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: $1,375 (Known questioned costs) Context: For 4 selections, in a sample of 40 payroll transactions, the School Corporation did not have time and effort logs to support the portion of the employees’ time charged to the grant. The employees’ time was split with a non-federal fund; however, the School Corporation did not have support for the allocation of the time charged to the ESSER III fund. The sample amount charged to the grant for split-funded employees without time and effort logs was $1,375. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management ensure time and effort logs are maintained for all employees not charged at 100% to support work performed and charged to the grant awards. We recommend management establish a documented review by management of time and effort logs to ensure time charged to grant awards is allowable and allocable based on work performed in accordance with grant requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Material Noncompliance, Qualified Opinion Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: (1) Minimum wages. (i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or under the United States Housing Act of 1937 or under the Housing Act of 1949 in the construction or development of the project), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics… (3)(ii)(A) The contractor shall submit weekly for each week in which any contract work is performed a copy of all payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, “Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction”). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week.. . .” Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: For the two projects sampled for Davis-Bacon requirements, the School Corporation did not obtain the weekly payroll reports certifications from the company that performed renovations on the School Corporation. Therefore, no review was performed to ensure that pay rates complied with the federal wage rate requirements. Additionally, the School Corporation did not have contracts with the company that included the clause for the federal wage rate requirements. The amount disbursed and reported on the SEFA during the audit period is $447,034 and the labor portion was not determinable by the School Corporation. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation implement a formal process to ensure the required weekly payroll reports certifications are collected and reviewed to ensure compliance with the wage rate requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Program: AL 21.027 – COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Reporting Grant Number & Year: SLFRP0923, March 3, 2021, through December 31, 2024 Federal Grantor Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Criteria: Title 2 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 200.303 (January 1, 2024) states the following, in relevant part: The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The U.S. Department of the Treasury adopted the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR § 1000.10 (January 1, 2024), which states the following: Except for the deviations set forth elsewhere in this Part, the Department of the Treasury adopts the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, set forth at 2 CFR part 200. The U.S. Department of the Treasury issued “Compliance and Reporting Guidance” and frequently asked questions, which specify the reporting requirements related to Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF). A good internal control plan includes establishing effective internal controls through written policies and procedures to ensure Federal reporting requirements are completed accurately. Such a plan should include, among other things, appropriate training on Federal reporting requirements and require a documented, detailed review of each report to be completed by a knowledgeable individual, who did not prepare the report, prior to submission. Condition: The County did not implement effective internal controls to ensure that the reporting requirements of the CSLFRF were completed accurately. The Project and Expenditure report submitted on April 1, 2024, did not contain accurate information for multiple expenditure and obligations categories. Repeat Finding: No Questioned Costs: None Statistical Sample: No Context: The following table summarizes the overall variances noted: These variances were due to the following: • A County Bridge Project was not included on this report. Current period obligations and current period expenditures for this project were $750,000. • For the County’s Premium Pay project, the Project and Expenditures Report correctly reported current period obligations and current period expenditures of $49,787; however, the total cumulative obligations and the total cumulative expenditures for this project did not increase from the report submitted in the previous year. Additionally, the County improperly reported $1,098 of expenditures under the Hometown Housing Project, when these expenditures were actually related to the Communications Update Project. Aside from the issues noted above, the following reporting requirements were properly completed: • Obligations and expenditures were accurately reported for five of the County’s nine projects. • All projects were reported under the correct project expenditure category and subcategory. • The total amount received was accurately reported. • The report was submitted timely. Cause: Lack of procedures and knowledge relating to Federal reporting requirements. Effect: Inaccurate information was reported to the U.S. Department of the Treasury on the 2024 Project and Expenditure report. Additionally, there is an increased risk of the County not complying with the reporting requirements set by the U.S Department of the Treasury. Recommendation: We recommend the County implement procedures to ensure Federal reporting requirements are completed accurately. Such procedures could include, among other things, appropriate training on Federal reporting requirements and a documented review by a knowledgeable individual who was not involved in the preparation of the report. View of Officials: The County will implement procedures to ensure reporting is completed correctly.
Program: AL 21.027 – COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds – Suspension & Debarment Grant Number & Year: SLFRP0923, March 3, 2021, through December 31, 2024 Federal Grantor Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Criteria: Title 2 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 200.303 (January 1, 2024) states the following, in relevant part: The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 2 CFR § 200.214 (January 1, 2024) states the following: Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. The U.S. Department of the Treasury adopted the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards in 2 CFR § 1000.10 (January 1, 2024), which states the following: Except for the deviations set forth elsewhere in this Part, the Department of the Treasury adopts the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, set forth at 2 CFR part 200. 2 CFR § 180.300 (January 1, 2024) requires non-Federal entities to verify that an entity is not excluded or disqualified prior to entering into a covered transaction by “(a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that . . . [entity]; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that . . .[entity].” A good internal control plan requires the County to have proper procedures in place to verify that contractors paid with Federal funds are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities, and those procedures are adequately documented. Condition: The County could not provide documentation to support that the County implemented effective internal controls to ensure that suspension and debarment requirements were followed and adequately documented. We noted that the County used CSLFRF to pay three vendors over $25,000 each, totaling $1,294,743, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. The County was unable to support that a review was performed to ensure that these vendors were not excluded or disqualified prior to entering into these covered transactions. We reviewed SAM.gov (the “System for Award Management,” an official website of the U.S. Government) and noted that none of these vendors were suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in Federal programs or activities as of the date testing was performed. Repeat Finding: 2023-002 Questioned Costs: None Statistical Sample: No Context: The following table provides details of the covered transactions noted: Cause: Lack of procedures and knowledge regarding suspension and debarment requirements. Effect: Without adequate procedures to ensure contractors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities, there is an increased risk for the misuse of Federal funds and noncompliance with Federal regulations, leading to possible Federal sanctions. Recommendation: We recommend the County implement procedures to ensure, prior to entering into a covered transaction, that a contractor is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities, and those procedures are adequately documented. View of Officials: Saline County will set up procedures to ensure reviews are performed to ensure vendors are not excluded or disqualified (SAM).
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
2024-002 Distribution of Compensation – Compliance and Internal Controls over Allowable Costs and Activities (Material Weakness) Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury FALN: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2023-2024 Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security FALN: 97.024 Federal Award Identification Numbers: All under this program. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Pass Through Entity: Multiple entities. See Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Award Year: 2021-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally, under 2 CFR Section 200.430(i) compensation records must support the distribution of the employee’s compensation among specific activities or costs objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award and compensation of employees used in meeting cost sharing or matching requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner. Condition: The time and effort spent on the federal program per the timesheets did not support the amounts charged to the 21.027 federal program. Additionally, multiple timesheets were not properly approved for both 21.027 and 97.024 federal programs. Effect: The lack of controls to ensure the correct amounts are charged to the federal program based on the time and effort of the personnel could result in charging unallowable costs to the federal program. Cause: The Association became aware of the requirement to properly maintain documentation to support time and effort per grant during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, and was not able to implement proper procedures and controls for the entire fiscal year. Known Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $8,414; FALN 97.024 - None Likely Questioned Costs: FALN 21.027- $67,725; FALN 97.024 - None Perspective: This finding represents a systemic problem as it affects both the allowable activities, allowable costs and period of performance requirements. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the Association establish policies and procedures to ensure that compensation is properly documented and distributed between Federal awards and properly approved.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: We noted there was no review of all 35 timecards selected for testing in a sample of 40 payroll transactions. The other 5 sample payroll transactions for salaried employees were tested without error. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management ensure all timecards are formally reviewed and the School Corporation maintain the supporting documentation. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: We noted there was no review of all 35 timecards selected for testing in a sample of 40 payroll transactions. The other 5 sample payroll transactions for salaried employees were tested without error. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management ensure all timecards are formally reviewed and the School Corporation maintain the supporting documentation. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: We noted there was no review of all 35 timecards selected for testing in a sample of 40 payroll transactions. The other 5 sample payroll transactions for salaried employees were tested without error. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management ensure all timecards are formally reviewed and the School Corporation maintain the supporting documentation. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During sample testing of 60 students for eligibility, we noted 7 instances where there was no documented review by someone other than the individual making the eligibility determination. The lack of review was isolated to paper applications. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and eligibility compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During sample testing of 60 students for eligibility, we noted 7 instances where there was no documented review by someone other than the individual making the eligibility determination. The lack of review was isolated to paper applications. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and eligibility compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During sample testing of 60 students for eligibility, we noted 7 instances where there was no documented review by someone other than the individual making the eligibility determination. The lack of review was isolated to paper applications. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and eligibility compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.430 states in part: (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the non-Federal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-Federal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-Federal entity (See paragraph (h)(1)(ii) above for treatment of incidental work for IHEs.); and vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the activities allowed or unallowed and allowable costs/cost principle compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: For 18 selections, in a sample of 40 payroll transactions, the School Corporation based the employees’ time charged to the grant on an annual time and effort log. The employee’s time was split with a non-federal fund. The School Corporation allocated the employee’s time based on a time and effort log completed in September of each year which was reviewed by the Superintendent. The School Corporation did not complete time and effort logs more frequently than annually to ensure the amounts being charged to food service were based on worked performed for each payroll period. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend perform and maintain time and effort logs monthly to support work performed and charged to the grant awards to ensure time charged to grant awards is allowable and allocable based on work performed in accordance with grant requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.430 states in part: (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the non-Federal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-Federal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-Federal entity (See paragraph (h)(1)(ii) above for treatment of incidental work for IHEs.); and vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the activities allowed or unallowed and allowable costs/cost principle compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: For 18 selections, in a sample of 40 payroll transactions, the School Corporation based the employees’ time charged to the grant on an annual time and effort log. The employee’s time was split with a non-federal fund. The School Corporation allocated the employee’s time based on a time and effort log completed in September of each year which was reviewed by the Superintendent. The School Corporation did not complete time and effort logs more frequently than annually to ensure the amounts being charged to food service were based on worked performed for each payroll period. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend perform and maintain time and effort logs monthly to support work performed and charged to the grant awards to ensure time charged to grant awards is allowable and allocable based on work performed in accordance with grant requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.430 states in part: (1) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity; (iii) Reasonably reflect the total activity for which the employee is compensated by the non-Federal entity, (iv) Encompass both federally assisted and all other activities compensated by the non-Federal entity on an integrated basis, but may include the use of subsidiary records as defined in the non-Federal entity's written policy; (v) Comply with the established accounting policies and practices of the non-Federal entity (See paragraph (h)(1)(ii) above for treatment of incidental work for IHEs.); and vii) Support the distribution of the employee's salary or wages among specific activities or cost objectives if the employee works on more than one Federal award; a Federal award and non-Federal award; an indirect cost activity and a direct cost activity; two or more indirect activities which are allocated using different allocation bases; or an unallowable activity and a direct or indirect cost activity. Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the activities allowed or unallowed and allowable costs/cost principle compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: For 18 selections, in a sample of 40 payroll transactions, the School Corporation based the employees’ time charged to the grant on an annual time and effort log. The employee’s time was split with a non-federal fund. The School Corporation allocated the employee’s time based on a time and effort log completed in September of each year which was reviewed by the Superintendent. The School Corporation did not complete time and effort logs more frequently than annually to ensure the amounts being charged to food service were based on worked performed for each payroll period. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend perform and maintain time and effort logs monthly to support work performed and charged to the grant awards to ensure time charged to grant awards is allowable and allocable based on work performed in accordance with grant requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(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 Financial reporting . . . ." 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." 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 requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation was required to submit two Annual Data Reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) during the audit period to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. We noted that the ESSER II amount reported for the reports covering the FY22 time period ($230,281) did not agree to the underlying expenditure records ($4,290 for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022). Additionally, we noted the School Corporation was unable to provide support for the FTE number reported as of 9/30/22 and 9/30/23. We also noted there was no documented, secondary review of the information in the annual data reports by someone other than the preparer. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(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 Financial reporting . . . ." 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." 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 requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation was required to submit two Annual Data Reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) during the audit period to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. We noted that the ESSER II amount reported for the reports covering the FY22 time period ($230,281) did not agree to the underlying expenditure records ($4,290 for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022). Additionally, we noted the School Corporation was unable to provide support for the FTE number reported as of 9/30/22 and 9/30/23. We also noted there was no documented, secondary review of the information in the annual data reports by someone other than the preparer. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Department of Health Finding 2024 ¬– 006: ALN 10.557 – WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (including COVID-19) A Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance Exist at the Department of Health Related to Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Federal Grant Number(s) and Year(s): 231PA705W1003 (10/01/2022-9/30/2023), 241PA705W1003 (10/01/2023-9/30/2024) Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Condition: The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) administers and monitors the WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) which provides assistance to low-income families for supplemental foods, education, and social services. WIC funds are received via federal grants from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to meet these needs. The Pennsylvania DOH is responsible for ensuring that granted funds are used for allowable costs and grant provisions are followed. WIC administrative grant Y23172 closed on September 30, 2023. The audit procedures disclosed that the closed grant had federal revenues that exceeded federal expenditures by approximately $95 thousand. DOH indicated that a credit was identified and posted to the grant after the FNS-798 grant close out report was submitted in February 2024. The credit was largely due to overcharges of costs for a Software License Agreement that was not allowable to the grant. The adjustment to record the credit to the grant posted in June 2024. Although DOH had identified and recorded the adjustment, DOH did not update the FNS-798 grant close out report which was necessary to return the corresponding federal funds to the USDA. DOH indicated that it is in the process of generating an updated FNS-798 report to enable the funds to be returned. Criteria: 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal controls, 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 the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management Directive 325.12, Amended – Standards for Enterprise Risk Management in Commonwealth Agencies, adopted the internal control framework outlined in the United States Government Accountability Office’s Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (Green Book). The Green Book states in part: Management should establish and operate monitoring activities to monitor the internal control system and evaluate the results. Management should remediate identified internal control deficiencies on a timely basis. 2 CFR Section 200.405, Allowable costs, states: a) Allocable costs in general. A cost is allocable to a Federal award or other cost objective if the cost is assignable to that Federal award or other cost objective in accordance with the relative benefits received. This standard is met if the cost satisfies any of the following criteria: Finding 2024 ¬– 006: (continued) (1) Is incurred specifically for the Federal award; (2) Benefits both the Federal award and other work of the recipient or subrecipient and can be distributed in proportions that may be approximated using reasonable methods; or (3) Is necessary to the overall operation of the recipient or subrecipient and is assignable in part to the Federal award in accordance with these cost principles. 2 CFR Section 200.406, Applicable credits, states: (a) Applicable credits refer to transactions that offset or reduce direct or indirect costs allocable to a Federal award. Examples of such transactions are purchase discounts, rebates or allowances, recoveries or indemnities on losses, insurance refunds or rebates, and adjustments of overpayments or erroneous charges. To the extent that such credits accruing to or received by the recipient or subrecipient relate to allowable costs, they must be credited to the Federal award either as a cost reduction or cash refund, as appropriate. Cause: DOH was not aware of the overcharges at the time of grant closeout. Management subsequently became aware of the costs and credited the federal grant expenditures but did not recognize the FNS-798 report needed adjusted to facilitate the return of the federal funds. Effect: DOH had unallowable costs expended within grant Y23172 that were not identified until after the grant was closed. The unallowable costs were later credited to the grant causing cumulative revenues to exceed cumulative expenditures for the grant. The federal funds were not properly returned to the USDA. Recommendation: We recommend that DOH implement formal policies and procedures to prevent and detect any unallowable costs to ensure timely and accurate grant close out procedures. If adjustments are necessary after a grant is closed, procedures should include amending the FNS-798 report at the time of posting the adjustments. Furthermore, DOH should submit an updated FNS-798 report and return the $95 thousand of federal funds to USDA. Agency Response: DOH agrees with this finding. Questioned Costs: None
Department of Health Finding 2024 ¬– 006: ALN 10.557 – WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (including COVID-19) A Significant Deficiency and Noncompliance Exist at the Department of Health Related to Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Costs Principles Federal Grant Number(s) and Year(s): 231PA705W1003 (10/01/2022-9/30/2023), 241PA705W1003 (10/01/2023-9/30/2024) Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Condition: The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) administers and monitors the WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) which provides assistance to low-income families for supplemental foods, education, and social services. WIC funds are received via federal grants from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to meet these needs. The Pennsylvania DOH is responsible for ensuring that granted funds are used for allowable costs and grant provisions are followed. WIC administrative grant Y23172 closed on September 30, 2023. The audit procedures disclosed that the closed grant had federal revenues that exceeded federal expenditures by approximately $95 thousand. DOH indicated that a credit was identified and posted to the grant after the FNS-798 grant close out report was submitted in February 2024. The credit was largely due to overcharges of costs for a Software License Agreement that was not allowable to the grant. The adjustment to record the credit to the grant posted in June 2024. Although DOH had identified and recorded the adjustment, DOH did not update the FNS-798 grant close out report which was necessary to return the corresponding federal funds to the USDA. DOH indicated that it is in the process of generating an updated FNS-798 report to enable the funds to be returned. Criteria: 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal controls, 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 the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management Directive 325.12, Amended – Standards for Enterprise Risk Management in Commonwealth Agencies, adopted the internal control framework outlined in the United States Government Accountability Office’s Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (Green Book). The Green Book states in part: Management should establish and operate monitoring activities to monitor the internal control system and evaluate the results. Management should remediate identified internal control deficiencies on a timely basis. 2 CFR Section 200.405, Allowable costs, states: a) Allocable costs in general. A cost is allocable to a Federal award or other cost objective if the cost is assignable to that Federal award or other cost objective in accordance with the relative benefits received. This standard is met if the cost satisfies any of the following criteria: Finding 2024 ¬– 006: (continued) (1) Is incurred specifically for the Federal award; (2) Benefits both the Federal award and other work of the recipient or subrecipient and can be distributed in proportions that may be approximated using reasonable methods; or (3) Is necessary to the overall operation of the recipient or subrecipient and is assignable in part to the Federal award in accordance with these cost principles. 2 CFR Section 200.406, Applicable credits, states: (a) Applicable credits refer to transactions that offset or reduce direct or indirect costs allocable to a Federal award. Examples of such transactions are purchase discounts, rebates or allowances, recoveries or indemnities on losses, insurance refunds or rebates, and adjustments of overpayments or erroneous charges. To the extent that such credits accruing to or received by the recipient or subrecipient relate to allowable costs, they must be credited to the Federal award either as a cost reduction or cash refund, as appropriate. Cause: DOH was not aware of the overcharges at the time of grant closeout. Management subsequently became aware of the costs and credited the federal grant expenditures but did not recognize the FNS-798 report needed adjusted to facilitate the return of the federal funds. Effect: DOH had unallowable costs expended within grant Y23172 that were not identified until after the grant was closed. The unallowable costs were later credited to the grant causing cumulative revenues to exceed cumulative expenditures for the grant. The federal funds were not properly returned to the USDA. Recommendation: We recommend that DOH implement formal policies and procedures to prevent and detect any unallowable costs to ensure timely and accurate grant close out procedures. If adjustments are necessary after a grant is closed, procedures should include amending the FNS-798 report at the time of posting the adjustments. Furthermore, DOH should submit an updated FNS-798 report and return the $95 thousand of federal funds to USDA. Agency Response: DOH agrees with this finding. Questioned Costs: None
Department of Labor and Industry Finding 2024 –¬ 010: ALN 17.225 – Unemployment Insurance (including COVID-19) A Significant Deficiency Exists at the Department of Labor and Industry Related to the Work Registration Requirement Federal Grant Number(s) and Year(s): C101064 (7/01/2023 - 6/30/2024) Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Condition: The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) administers and monitors federal Unemployment Insurance (UI) funds to provide benefits for unemployed workers for periods of involuntary unemployment. L&I is responsible for establishing policy and procedure to comply with the requirements of federal UI laws including collecting UI contributions, determining claimant eligibility, and making UI benefit payments. L&I uses Pennsylvania CareerLink and the Unemployment Compensation Benefits System to aid in making eligibility determinations pursuant federal requirements. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, testing revealed a claimant that was a union employee and claimed and received benefits was erroneously exempted from the work registration requirement. The work registration requirement is a condition of eligibility to receive benefits. L&I indicated that a programmatic error within the Unemployment Compensation Benefits System, which crossmatches against the Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS), was not recognizing the workers with a union status as being required to register. Therefore, when the information came back from CWDS that claimants were not registered, the system incorrectly categorized these claimants as exempt. L&I performed an analysis to determine the potential number of union claimants that were erroneously exempt from the work registration requirement. After analyzing the data, L&I developed an estimate of possible overpayments to include 3,481 claimants totaling $22.5 million. The estimated numbers represent the maximum possible error and would require further investigation at the individual claimant level to specifically determine actual overpayments. L&I indicated that due to this being a programmatic error, not due to claimants’ action or inaction, in consultation with legal counsel, L&I elected to invoke the Secretary’s right to retroactively waive the registration requirement for these claimants. L&I acknowledged the programmatic issue prevented these individuals from knowing they would otherwise be denied for not registering. Furthermore, L&I stated it would be oppressive to inform the individuals now of requirements that needed to be met at the time of application, as well as burden them with unexpected overpayments. Criteria: 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal controls, 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 the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Finding 2024 –¬ 010: (continued) Management Directive 325.12, Amended – Standards for Enterprise Risk Management in Commonwealth Agencies, adopted the internal control framework outlined in the United States Government Accountability Office’s Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (Green Book). The Green Book states in part: Management should establish and operate monitoring activities to monitor the internal control system and evaluate the results. Management should remediate identified internal control deficiencies on a timely basis. The 2024 OMB Uniform Guidance Compliance Supplement, Part 4 – Agency Program Requirements for the UI program, Eligibility, states: Regular Unemployment Compensation Program – Under state UC laws, a worker’s benefit rights depend on the amount of the worker’s wages and/or weeks of work in covered employment in a “base period.” While most states define the base period as the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters prior to the filing of the claim, other base periods may be used. To qualify for benefits, a claimant must have earned a certain number of wages or have worked a certain number of weeks or calendar quarters within the base period or meet some combination of wage and employment requirements. Some states require a waiting period of one week of total or partial unemployment before UC is payable. A “waiting period” is a non-compensable period of unemployment in which the worker is otherwise eligible for benefits. To be eligible to receive UC, all states provide that a claimant must have been separated from suitable work for non-disqualifying reasons under state law (i.e., not because of such acts as leaving voluntarily without good cause or discharge for misconduct connected with work). After separation, they must be able and available for work, actively seeking work, legally authorized to work in the United States and must not have refused an offer of suitable work. Pennsylvania UC Law booklet, states: ARTICLE IV COMPENSATION Section 401. Qualifications Required to Secure Compensation.— Compensation shall be payable to any employe who is or becomes unemployed, and who— (a) Satisfies both of the following requirements: (1) Has, within his base year, been paid wages for employment as required by section 404(c) of this act. (2) Except as provided in section 404(a)(3) and (e)(2)(v), not less than thirty-seven per centum (37%) of the employe's total base year wages have been paid in one or more quarters, other than the highest quarter in such employe's base year. ((2) amended June 30, 2021, P.L.173, No.30) ((a) amended Nov. 3, 2016, P.L.1100, No.144) (b) (1) Is making an active search for suitable employment. The requirements for "active search" shall be established by the department and shall include, at a minimum, all of the following: 106 PENNSYLVANIA UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION LAW (i) Registration by a claimant for employment search services offered by the Pennsylvania CareerLink system or its successor agency within thirty (30) days after initial application for benefits. (ii) Posting a resume on the system's database, unless the claimant is seeking work in an employment sector in which resumes are not commonly used. (iii) Applying for positions that offer employment and wages similar to those the claimant had prior to his unemployment and which are within a forty-five (45) minute commuting distance. Cause: A programmatic error within the Unemployment Compensation Benefits System erroneously exempted claimants with a union status from the work registration requirement. Effect: Claimants with union status that were exempted from the work registration eligibility requirement possibly received UI benefit payments without meeting all the eligibility requirements, resulting in disallowed benefit payments. As indicated above in the condition, L&I has elected to invoke the Secretary’s right to retroactively waive the registration requirement for these claimants. Recommendation: We recommend that L&I strengthen policies and procedures to prevent and detect errors that could result in improper benefit payments. Finding 2024 –¬ 010: (continued) Agency Response: L&I agrees with this finding. Questioned Costs: The amount of questioned costs cannot be determined.
Department of Labor and Industry Finding 2024 –¬ 011: ALN 17.225 – Unemployment Insurance (including COVID-19) A Significant Deficiency Exists at the Department of Labor and Industry Related to the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments Program Federal Grant Number(s) and Year(s): C10164 (7/01/2023 – 6/30/2024) Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions related to Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment Programs: Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services (WPRS) and Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments (RESEA) Condition: During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) was required to administer reemployment services for the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania elected to operate the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments (RESEA) program to satisfy the Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services (WPRS) federal mandate which was permitted by federal requirements. The RESEA program enables claimants who are most likely to exhaust their benefits to access services that assist them to return to work or provide assistance in areas such as job search or placement, job markets, and testing. Claimant participants work with a case administrator (administrator) throughout the program, and the administrators are supervised by a case manager. L&I’s program procedures are outlined in the Labor and Industry RESEA Manual which details claimant selection, eligibility, and the intervention process performed by the administrator to assist participating claimants. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s RESEA program uses a comprehensive checklist from the RESEA Manual to ensure that all elements of the program are being satisfied for each case. To test the RESEA requirements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, a sample of 40 out of 22,774 claimant cases that completed the program during that time period was selected for testing. No noncompliance was identified. However, we were unable to test the operating effectiveness of certain internal control procedures at the case level, since supporting documentation for checklists was not maintained for eight of the 40 cases tested. Criteria: 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal controls, 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). Management Directive 325.12 Standards for Internal Control for Commonwealth Agencies, adopted the internal control framework outlined in the United States Government Accountability Office’s Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (Green Book), published in September 2014. The Green Book states in part: Finding 2024 –¬ 011: (continued) Management should design control activities to achieve objectives and respond to risks. Management should establish and operate monitoring activities to monitor the internal control system and evaluate the results. Management should remediate identified internal control deficiencies on a timely basis. Cause: According to L&I management, the checklist was mandatory for use by the administrators. L&I indicated that the eight checklists which were unavailable to be reviewed were lost due to moving locations. Effect: The lack of adequate internal controls over compliance in the RESEA program could result in improper identification of claimants and insufficient services resulting in federal noncompliance. Although noncompliance was not identified by our audit procedures, fully operational controls would enable case administrators and managers to ensure compliance with program requirements and to timely prevent and detect instances of noncompliance. Recommendation: We recommend that L&I management ensure the use of the checklist to strengthen internal controls and to ensure verification of all elements of the RESEA program are occurring, accurate, and complete. Also, L&I management should ensure that proper documentation of the use of these tools is maintained. Agency Response: L&I is in agreement with the recommendations and will ensure that the checklist will be completed for all RESEA recipients. Management will ensure that proper documentation of this tool is maintained. 1. Yearly RESEA case file reviews will be conducted by the Bureau of Workforce Partnership & Operations (BWPO) Central office staff. 2. Quarterly meetings with local office staff to reinforce the importance of utilizing the checklist. Questioned Costs: None
Department of Labor and Industry Finding 2024 –¬ 010: ALN 17.225 – Unemployment Insurance (including COVID-19) A Significant Deficiency Exists at the Department of Labor and Industry Related to the Work Registration Requirement Federal Grant Number(s) and Year(s): C101064 (7/01/2023 - 6/30/2024) Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Condition: The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) administers and monitors federal Unemployment Insurance (UI) funds to provide benefits for unemployed workers for periods of involuntary unemployment. L&I is responsible for establishing policy and procedure to comply with the requirements of federal UI laws including collecting UI contributions, determining claimant eligibility, and making UI benefit payments. L&I uses Pennsylvania CareerLink and the Unemployment Compensation Benefits System to aid in making eligibility determinations pursuant federal requirements. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, testing revealed a claimant that was a union employee and claimed and received benefits was erroneously exempted from the work registration requirement. The work registration requirement is a condition of eligibility to receive benefits. L&I indicated that a programmatic error within the Unemployment Compensation Benefits System, which crossmatches against the Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS), was not recognizing the workers with a union status as being required to register. Therefore, when the information came back from CWDS that claimants were not registered, the system incorrectly categorized these claimants as exempt. L&I performed an analysis to determine the potential number of union claimants that were erroneously exempt from the work registration requirement. After analyzing the data, L&I developed an estimate of possible overpayments to include 3,481 claimants totaling $22.5 million. The estimated numbers represent the maximum possible error and would require further investigation at the individual claimant level to specifically determine actual overpayments. L&I indicated that due to this being a programmatic error, not due to claimants’ action or inaction, in consultation with legal counsel, L&I elected to invoke the Secretary’s right to retroactively waive the registration requirement for these claimants. L&I acknowledged the programmatic issue prevented these individuals from knowing they would otherwise be denied for not registering. Furthermore, L&I stated it would be oppressive to inform the individuals now of requirements that needed to be met at the time of application, as well as burden them with unexpected overpayments. Criteria: 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal controls, 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 the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Finding 2024 –¬ 010: (continued) Management Directive 325.12, Amended – Standards for Enterprise Risk Management in Commonwealth Agencies, adopted the internal control framework outlined in the United States Government Accountability Office’s Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (Green Book). The Green Book states in part: Management should establish and operate monitoring activities to monitor the internal control system and evaluate the results. Management should remediate identified internal control deficiencies on a timely basis. The 2024 OMB Uniform Guidance Compliance Supplement, Part 4 – Agency Program Requirements for the UI program, Eligibility, states: Regular Unemployment Compensation Program – Under state UC laws, a worker’s benefit rights depend on the amount of the worker’s wages and/or weeks of work in covered employment in a “base period.” While most states define the base period as the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters prior to the filing of the claim, other base periods may be used. To qualify for benefits, a claimant must have earned a certain number of wages or have worked a certain number of weeks or calendar quarters within the base period or meet some combination of wage and employment requirements. Some states require a waiting period of one week of total or partial unemployment before UC is payable. A “waiting period” is a non-compensable period of unemployment in which the worker is otherwise eligible for benefits. To be eligible to receive UC, all states provide that a claimant must have been separated from suitable work for non-disqualifying reasons under state law (i.e., not because of such acts as leaving voluntarily without good cause or discharge for misconduct connected with work). After separation, they must be able and available for work, actively seeking work, legally authorized to work in the United States and must not have refused an offer of suitable work. Pennsylvania UC Law booklet, states: ARTICLE IV COMPENSATION Section 401. Qualifications Required to Secure Compensation.— Compensation shall be payable to any employe who is or becomes unemployed, and who— (a) Satisfies both of the following requirements: (1) Has, within his base year, been paid wages for employment as required by section 404(c) of this act. (2) Except as provided in section 404(a)(3) and (e)(2)(v), not less than thirty-seven per centum (37%) of the employe's total base year wages have been paid in one or more quarters, other than the highest quarter in such employe's base year. ((2) amended June 30, 2021, P.L.173, No.30) ((a) amended Nov. 3, 2016, P.L.1100, No.144) (b) (1) Is making an active search for suitable employment. The requirements for "active search" shall be established by the department and shall include, at a minimum, all of the following: 106 PENNSYLVANIA UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION LAW (i) Registration by a claimant for employment search services offered by the Pennsylvania CareerLink system or its successor agency within thirty (30) days after initial application for benefits. (ii) Posting a resume on the system's database, unless the claimant is seeking work in an employment sector in which resumes are not commonly used. (iii) Applying for positions that offer employment and wages similar to those the claimant had prior to his unemployment and which are within a forty-five (45) minute commuting distance. Cause: A programmatic error within the Unemployment Compensation Benefits System erroneously exempted claimants with a union status from the work registration requirement. Effect: Claimants with union status that were exempted from the work registration eligibility requirement possibly received UI benefit payments without meeting all the eligibility requirements, resulting in disallowed benefit payments. As indicated above in the condition, L&I has elected to invoke the Secretary’s right to retroactively waive the registration requirement for these claimants. Recommendation: We recommend that L&I strengthen policies and procedures to prevent and detect errors that could result in improper benefit payments. Finding 2024 –¬ 010: (continued) Agency Response: L&I agrees with this finding. Questioned Costs: The amount of questioned costs cannot be determined.
Department of Labor and Industry Finding 2024 –¬ 011: ALN 17.225 – Unemployment Insurance (including COVID-19) A Significant Deficiency Exists at the Department of Labor and Industry Related to the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments Program Federal Grant Number(s) and Year(s): C10164 (7/01/2023 – 6/30/2024) Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions related to Unemployment Insurance (UI) Reemployment Programs: Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services (WPRS) and Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments (RESEA) Condition: During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) was required to administer reemployment services for the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania elected to operate the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments (RESEA) program to satisfy the Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services (WPRS) federal mandate which was permitted by federal requirements. The RESEA program enables claimants who are most likely to exhaust their benefits to access services that assist them to return to work or provide assistance in areas such as job search or placement, job markets, and testing. Claimant participants work with a case administrator (administrator) throughout the program, and the administrators are supervised by a case manager. L&I’s program procedures are outlined in the Labor and Industry RESEA Manual which details claimant selection, eligibility, and the intervention process performed by the administrator to assist participating claimants. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s RESEA program uses a comprehensive checklist from the RESEA Manual to ensure that all elements of the program are being satisfied for each case. To test the RESEA requirements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, a sample of 40 out of 22,774 claimant cases that completed the program during that time period was selected for testing. No noncompliance was identified. However, we were unable to test the operating effectiveness of certain internal control procedures at the case level, since supporting documentation for checklists was not maintained for eight of the 40 cases tested. Criteria: 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal controls, 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). Management Directive 325.12 Standards for Internal Control for Commonwealth Agencies, adopted the internal control framework outlined in the United States Government Accountability Office’s Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government (Green Book), published in September 2014. The Green Book states in part: Finding 2024 –¬ 011: (continued) Management should design control activities to achieve objectives and respond to risks. Management should establish and operate monitoring activities to monitor the internal control system and evaluate the results. Management should remediate identified internal control deficiencies on a timely basis. Cause: According to L&I management, the checklist was mandatory for use by the administrators. L&I indicated that the eight checklists which were unavailable to be reviewed were lost due to moving locations. Effect: The lack of adequate internal controls over compliance in the RESEA program could result in improper identification of claimants and insufficient services resulting in federal noncompliance. Although noncompliance was not identified by our audit procedures, fully operational controls would enable case administrators and managers to ensure compliance with program requirements and to timely prevent and detect instances of noncompliance. Recommendation: We recommend that L&I management ensure the use of the checklist to strengthen internal controls and to ensure verification of all elements of the RESEA program are occurring, accurate, and complete. Also, L&I management should ensure that proper documentation of the use of these tools is maintained. Agency Response: L&I is in agreement with the recommendations and will ensure that the checklist will be completed for all RESEA recipients. Management will ensure that proper documentation of this tool is maintained. 1. Yearly RESEA case file reviews will be conducted by the Bureau of Workforce Partnership & Operations (BWPO) Central office staff. 2. Quarterly meetings with local office staff to reinforce the importance of utilizing the checklist. Questioned Costs: None
Finding 2024-003 Reporting – Material Noncompliance and Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance Identification of the Federal Program ALN 84.041- Impact Aid – U.S. Department of Education - Direct Program 2024 Criteria or Specific Requirement The Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal control designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Application for Impact Aid – Section 7003 (OMB No. 1810-0687) – Each year an LEA must submit this application, which provides the following information: counts of federally connected children in various categories, membership and average daily attendance data, and information on expenditures for children with disabilities. Condition The District failed to retain source check documentation to support the student count and information certification by federal representatives. Cause Internal control process for retention of the source documentation was not followed. Effect or potential effect We were unable to confirm the completeness and verification that the students that were reported for the program were federally connected children. Questioned Costs Questioned costs are not determinable based on the information available. Context For the testwork for reporting over impact aid we requested source check documentation for the students that were reported federally connected children and the District was not able to provide any evidence. Identification as a repeat finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the District comply with the requirements of CFR section 200.313 and establish documentation retention policy and maintain records in accordance with the uniform guidance. Views of responsible officials Management agrees with this finding. Steps will be taken to correct the retention of source check documentation process and enhance internal controls to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Finding 2024-004 Reporting – Noncompliance and Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Identification of the Federal Program ALN 10.553 and 10.555 – School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program Child Nutrition Cluster – U.S. Department of Agriculture passed through the State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, pass through entity identification numbers 01701 and FD 24.GCSD.01. Year 2024 Criteria or Specific Requirement The Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal control designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Claims for Reimbursement-SFAs and sponsors must submit monthly claims for reimbursement for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim (7 CFR sections 210.8, 220.11, 215.10, and 225.15(c)). Condition One report was submitted after the due dates as indicated in the grant and compliance guidelines. Cause The Districts internal controls over reporting are not designed to appropriately ensure timely reporting. Effect or potential effect The District was not in compliance with the grant requirements. Questioned Costs None. Context We selected 4 monthly reimbursement reports for testwork and noted one report was submitted past the due date. Identification as a repeat finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that management review report due dates and ensure that accurate reports are submitted before they are due. Views of responsible officials Management agrees with this finding. Steps will be taken to correct the reporting process and enhance internal controls to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Finding 2024-004 Reporting – Noncompliance and Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Identification of the Federal Program ALN 10.553 and 10.555 – School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program Child Nutrition Cluster – U.S. Department of Agriculture passed through the State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, pass through entity identification numbers 01701 and FD 24.GCSD.01. Year 2024 Criteria or Specific Requirement The Uniform Guidance in 2 CFR Section 200.303, Internal Controls requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal control designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Claims for Reimbursement-SFAs and sponsors must submit monthly claims for reimbursement for meals and snacks served to eligible students within 60 days following the last day of the month covered by the claim (7 CFR sections 210.8, 220.11, 215.10, and 225.15(c)). Condition One report was submitted after the due dates as indicated in the grant and compliance guidelines. Cause The Districts internal controls over reporting are not designed to appropriately ensure timely reporting. Effect or potential effect The District was not in compliance with the grant requirements. Questioned Costs None. Context We selected 4 monthly reimbursement reports for testwork and noted one report was submitted past the due date. Identification as a repeat finding Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that management review report due dates and ensure that accurate reports are submitted before they are due. Views of responsible officials Management agrees with this finding. Steps will be taken to correct the reporting process and enhance internal controls to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-042-ARP, 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement and the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for the simplified acquisition threshold and for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Procurement When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold. Therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. When the purchase value exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but is less than the simplified acquisition threshold, a small purchase occurs. Small purchases require documented full and open competition or a documented rationale for limited competition. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements totaling $379,313, which exceeded the SAT threshold of $150,000. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements in the amount of $55,374, which were less than the SAT threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and was selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2023-2024, three vendors with disbursements totaling $175,125 were identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeding the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes for two of the three vendors and there was no documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts, for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative disclosed there were not any documented internal controls or procedures. Nine covered transactions were identified. The covered transactions, totaling $803,836, were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not verify the suspension and debarment status of the tested vendors prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic 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 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (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. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) Formal Procurement Methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which 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. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or costreimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "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 the SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted that the ARP portion of the Special Education grant was new for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The ARP funding gave opportunity for types of expenditures that do not typically get expensed using Special Education funding. The transactions noted within the Condition and Context were from the ARP portion of the grant, which provided property or services that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold. Management of the Cooperative was unaware of the procurement requirements when property or services exceed the micro-purchase threshold. In addition, management of the Cooperative was unaware of the suspension and debarment requirements when a covered transaction is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Unverified vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 could be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the reduction of future federal funding to the Cooperative. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Cooperative's management design and implement a system of internal controls related to procurement and suspension and debarment procedures to ensure procurement requirements are met and to ensure entities are neither suspended nor debarred or otherwise excluded or disqualified prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-042-ARP, 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement and the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for the simplified acquisition threshold and for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Procurement When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold. Therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. When the purchase value exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but is less than the simplified acquisition threshold, a small purchase occurs. Small purchases require documented full and open competition or a documented rationale for limited competition. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements totaling $379,313, which exceeded the SAT threshold of $150,000. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements in the amount of $55,374, which were less than the SAT threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and was selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2023-2024, three vendors with disbursements totaling $175,125 were identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeding the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes for two of the three vendors and there was no documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts, for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative disclosed there were not any documented internal controls or procedures. Nine covered transactions were identified. The covered transactions, totaling $803,836, were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not verify the suspension and debarment status of the tested vendors prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic 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 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (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. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) Formal Procurement Methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which 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. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or costreimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "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 the SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted that the ARP portion of the Special Education grant was new for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The ARP funding gave opportunity for types of expenditures that do not typically get expensed using Special Education funding. The transactions noted within the Condition and Context were from the ARP portion of the grant, which provided property or services that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold. Management of the Cooperative was unaware of the procurement requirements when property or services exceed the micro-purchase threshold. In addition, management of the Cooperative was unaware of the suspension and debarment requirements when a covered transaction is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Unverified vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 could be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the reduction of future federal funding to the Cooperative. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Cooperative's management design and implement a system of internal controls related to procurement and suspension and debarment procedures to ensure procurement requirements are met and to ensure entities are neither suspended nor debarred or otherwise excluded or disqualified prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-042-ARP, 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement and the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for the simplified acquisition threshold and for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Procurement When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold. Therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. When the purchase value exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but is less than the simplified acquisition threshold, a small purchase occurs. Small purchases require documented full and open competition or a documented rationale for limited competition. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements totaling $379,313, which exceeded the SAT threshold of $150,000. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements in the amount of $55,374, which were less than the SAT threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and was selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2023-2024, three vendors with disbursements totaling $175,125 were identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeding the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes for two of the three vendors and there was no documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts, for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative disclosed there were not any documented internal controls or procedures. Nine covered transactions were identified. The covered transactions, totaling $803,836, were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not verify the suspension and debarment status of the tested vendors prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic 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 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (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. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) Formal Procurement Methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which 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. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or costreimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "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 the SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted that the ARP portion of the Special Education grant was new for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The ARP funding gave opportunity for types of expenditures that do not typically get expensed using Special Education funding. The transactions noted within the Condition and Context were from the ARP portion of the grant, which provided property or services that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold. Management of the Cooperative was unaware of the procurement requirements when property or services exceed the micro-purchase threshold. In addition, management of the Cooperative was unaware of the suspension and debarment requirements when a covered transaction is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Unverified vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 could be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the reduction of future federal funding to the Cooperative. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Cooperative's management design and implement a system of internal controls related to procurement and suspension and debarment procedures to ensure procurement requirements are met and to ensure entities are neither suspended nor debarred or otherwise excluded or disqualified prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-042-ARP, 22619-042-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the procurement and the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the requirements for the simplified acquisition threshold and for small purchases were met for each applicable procured good or service or to ensure that vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into a covered transaction. Procurement When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold. Therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. When the purchase value exceeds the micro-purchase threshold but is less than the simplified acquisition threshold, a small purchase occurs. Small purchases require documented full and open competition or a documented rationale for limited competition. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements totaling $379,313, which exceeded the SAT threshold of $150,000. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2022-2023, the Cooperative had one vendor with disbursements in the amount of $55,374, which were less than the SAT threshold of $150,000, but exceeded the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and was selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes nor was there documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. For 2023-2024, three vendors with disbursements totaling $175,125 were identified as being less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeding the $50,000 micropurchase threshold and were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not obtain price or rate quotes for two of the three vendors and there was no documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts, for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative disclosed there were not any documented internal controls or procedures. Nine covered transactions were identified. The covered transactions, totaling $803,836, were selected for testing. The Cooperative did not verify the suspension and debarment status of the tested vendors prior to payment. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic 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 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (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. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (b) Formal Procurement Methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which 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. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or costreimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "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 the SAM.gov Exclusions, or (b) Collecting a certification from that person, or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The Cooperative noted that the ARP portion of the Special Education grant was new for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The ARP funding gave opportunity for types of expenditures that do not typically get expensed using Special Education funding. The transactions noted within the Condition and Context were from the ARP portion of the grant, which provided property or services that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold. Management of the Cooperative was unaware of the procurement requirements when property or services exceed the micro-purchase threshold. In addition, management of the Cooperative was unaware of the suspension and debarment requirements when a covered transaction is expected to equal or exceed $25,000. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, including policies and procedures that provide segregation of duties and additional oversight as needed, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Unverified vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 could be suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 DEKALB COUNTY CENTRAL UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the reduction of future federal funding to the Cooperative. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the Cooperative's management design and implement a system of internal controls related to procurement and suspension and debarment procedures to ensure procurement requirements are met and to ensure entities are neither suspended nor debarred or otherwise excluded or disqualified prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
CONDITION The audit tested quarterly Project and Expenditure reports of the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program for the periods ending March 2023, December 2023, and June 2024. Project and Expenditure reports are prepared and submitted by the ND Office of Management and Budget. Errors in key line items in all three quarterly Project and Expenditures Reports tested were identified. Key line items with errors included current period expenditures, cumulative expenditures, and current period obligations. Current period expenditures reported on the March 2023 and December 2023 reports did not agree to the tracking spreadsheet used to prepare the report. The net unreconciled difference in current period expenditures for these quarters was $732,036. The reason for the difference included that OMB's own SLFRF expenditures were not reported in the proper period. Cumulative expenditures reported by OMB for all three covered periods did not agree to the tracking spreadsheet used to prepare the report. The state's actual cumulative expenditures were not determined since changes or revisions can be reflected in the next Project and Expenditures report. However, cumulative expenditures reported by OMB for the covered period ending June 30, 2024, totaled $686,652,130 while cumulative expenditures reported by agencies and universities on SEFAs for the same period totaled $670,946,688. The basis of accounting used to prepare the SEFA varies amongst the agencies and universities; however, the state's cumulative expenditures are expected to reconcile to the state's SLFRF allocation in its final Project and Expenditure Report. Current period obligations reported by OMB for the covered period ending June 30, 2024, totaled $93,696,726, which should have been $0. This error did not impact the cumulative obligation amount since OMB previously reported the state's SLFRF allotment was 100% obligated in the cumulative obligation amount for the covered period ending December 31, 2023. CRITERIA According to Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Compliance and Reporting Guidance, states are required to submit quarterly Project and Expenditure Reports. The 2023 and 2024 Compliance Supplements indicate the following line items are key line items: current period obligation, cumulative obligation, current period expenditure, and cumulative expenditure are key line items. In addition, report corrections cannot be made after the reporting deadline unless prompted by Treasury staff. Any changes or revisions will need to be reflected in the next Project and Expenditure report. 2 CFR 200.502 states that the determination of when a federal award is expended must be based on when the activity related to the award occurs. In general, the activity pertains to events that require the nonfederal entity to comply with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards. 2 CFR 200.303(a) states that non-Federal entities 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. CAUSE OMB manages State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds centrally and developed a process to reimburse agencies for their eligible expenditures once expenditures are incurred and agencies requested reimbursement. As a result, reimbursement from the state’s allocation of SLFRF moneys always occurs after the agency expenditure. Funds were included in the federal report for the period in which reimbursement to the agency occurred. In some cases, this resulted in the agency expenditure occurring in a period prior to the period covered under the quarterly SLFRF report. In addition, OMB's reporting process did not identify its own SLFRF expenditures in a timely manner. Lastly, OMB did not consistently utilize its tracking spreadsheet for reporting certain key line items. EFFECT State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) data reported to the U.S. Department of Treasury in quarterly Project and Expenditures Reports was inaccurate. CONTEXT In March 2021, the Federal Department of Treasury obligated funds to all 50 states under the State Local and Fiscal Recovery Fund to help states mitigate negative economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2021, the special session of the 67th legislature obligated use of the majority of the funds to various agencies across the state. As the state was able to show that the revenue lost in years 2020 and 2021 exceeded the amount of the obligation from the Department of Treasury, the state was able to claim use of these funds under revenue replacement which allowed the state to utilize them for 'government operations' in addition to other specific uses and also allowing the state to report use of these funds under a single 'revenue replacement' project. The agencies began using the funds for purposes after they were obligated by the state legislature and began recording expenditures against the grant throughout our audit period. When these funds were initially disbursed to the state in March 2021, the funds were received by OMB and OMB then transferred reimbursement to agencies on request. The remainder of the funds were obligated by the state legislature during the 68th Legislative Assembly, which included any turnback funds obligated in previous legislation. North Dakota's project description on the reports was consistent and based on legislative appropriation. As reported, "Due to its extraordinary revenue loss during the pandemic, North Dakota’s entire SLFRF allocation is dedicated to project expenditure category group 6 – Revenue Replacement. Consequently, all expenditures will fall under project expenditure category 6.1 – Provision of Government Services. Government services, as defined by the North Dakota legislature, includes economic development and workforce development initiatives, infrastructure and deferred maintenance initiatives, state service delivery and information technology improvements, and healthcare and emergency response initiatives." Cumulative expenditures reported by OMB for the covered period ending June 30, 2024, totaled $686,652,130. Cumulative expenditures reported by agencies and universities on SEFAs for the same period totaled $670,946,688; however, the basis of accounting used to prepare the SEFA varies amongst the agencies and universities. The state's cumulative expenditures are expected to reconcile to the state's SLFRF allocation in its final Project and Expenditure Report. Where sampling was performed, the audit used a non-statistical sampling method. IDENTIFICATION AS A REPEAT FINDING Finding 2022-035 was reported in the immediate prior year. RECOMMENDATION We recommend the Office of Management and Budget ensure quarterly Project and Expenditure Reports accurately report the State's SLFRF obligations and expenditures to the Department of Treasury. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET RESPONSE The Office of Management agrees with this finding, but will continue federal reporting based on the timing of reimbursement of expenditures to other state agencies for the duration of the SLFRF reporting period. OMB will ensure all expenditures of SFLRF funding are accurately included in the reports based on the period of reimbursement. Because OMB is responsible for the state reporting under this program, it is necessary to maintain some level of control over these funds. Consequently, OMB manages the funds centrally and developed a process to reimburse agencies for their eligible expenditures once expenditures were incurred and agencies requested reimbursement. As a result, reimbursement from the state’s allocation of SLFRF moneys always occurs after the agency expenditure. Funds are included in the Federal report for the period in which reimbursement from the SLFRF occurs. In some cases, this results in the agency expenditure occurring in a period prior to the period covered under the quarterly SLFRF report in which the reimbursement is reported. To better track OMB expenditures of SLFRF moneys, which is a separate process from the reimbursement of other agencies, OMB will run specific expense reports for OMB agency expenditures to ensure all SLFRF expenses are reported in the proper period. See “Management’s Response and Corrective Action” section of this report. AUDITOR’S CONCLUDING COMMENTS While the Office of Management and Budget agrees with the finding, continuing Federal reporting based on the timing of reimbursed expenditures will likely cause further inaccurate SLFRF reporting. In addition, amounts transferred to agencies are not confirmed to not exceed incurred expenditures to ensure a reimbursement process is in place.