FINDING 2024-005 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Activities Allowed or Unallowed Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Activities Allowed or Unallowed Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. A sample of 40 vendor and payroll disbursements that were charged to the ESF grant for which reimbursement was received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance with the applicable allowable cost principles. Of the 40 disbursements tested, 4 payroll disbursements for accelerated learning were approved, but the School Corporation could not provide documentation to show where the governing board approved their rate of pay. In addition, there was a transfer from the ESSER II - Cares grant fund to the Education fund for $117,177 to reimburse that fund for expenses on June 20, 2024. The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation for the expenses that were reimbursed to ensure they were for allowable activities and allowable costs. The ineffective internal controls were a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements. Management was not aware that they should have only been reimbursed for expenditures made out of the ESF funds or should have moved the expenditures and retained proper documentation to support what expenditures tied to what was reimbursed. It was noted that the accelerated learning rate of pay was discussed at a School Board meeting, but the approved wage rates were not documented in the School Board minutes or on any sort of salary schedule approved by the School Board members. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Cost/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There was a total of $173,841 of questioned costs as referenced under the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure only allowable activities and allowable costs are charged to grants funds and to ensure grant money is only requested for reimbursement for monies directly related to the grant program. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-010. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Even though the reports were reviewed by someone other than the preparer, the School Corporation was not able to provide financial information that was used to determine amounts used in the reports. The School Corporation completed and submitted four annual Data Collection reports (Reports) for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants. For all four of the Reports, the School Corporation was unable to provide financial information to support the amounts in the Reports; therefore, the Indiana State Board of Accounts could not determine the accuracy of the Reports. Additionally, eight of eight key line items selected for testing could not be verified to the financial records. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause According to the School Corporation, these issues were due to the reporting differences of how the annual expenditure report categories are different than the annual Data Collection reports. The School Corporation indicated that it had to go employee by employee to properly place them under the correct category using the reimbursement requests but did not retain that documentation of how it came to the numbers. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected with the Reporting compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish effective internal controls to ensure reports submitted are accurate and have supporting documentation. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Activities Allowed or Unallowed Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Activities Allowed or Unallowed Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. A sample of 40 vendor and payroll disbursements that were charged to the ESF grant for which reimbursement was received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance with the applicable allowable cost principles. Of the 40 disbursements tested, 4 payroll disbursements for accelerated learning were approved, but the School Corporation could not provide documentation to show where the governing board approved their rate of pay. In addition, there was a transfer from the ESSER II - Cares grant fund to the Education fund for $117,177 to reimburse that fund for expenses on June 20, 2024. The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation for the expenses that were reimbursed to ensure they were for allowable activities and allowable costs. The ineffective internal controls were a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements. Management was not aware that they should have only been reimbursed for expenditures made out of the ESF funds or should have moved the expenditures and retained proper documentation to support what expenditures tied to what was reimbursed. It was noted that the accelerated learning rate of pay was discussed at a School Board meeting, but the approved wage rates were not documented in the School Board minutes or on any sort of salary schedule approved by the School Board members. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Cost/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There was a total of $173,841 of questioned costs as referenced under the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure only allowable activities and allowable costs are charged to grants funds and to ensure grant money is only requested for reimbursement for monies directly related to the grant program. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-010. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Even though the reports were reviewed by someone other than the preparer, the School Corporation was not able to provide financial information that was used to determine amounts used in the reports. The School Corporation completed and submitted four annual Data Collection reports (Reports) for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants. For all four of the Reports, the School Corporation was unable to provide financial information to support the amounts in the Reports; therefore, the Indiana State Board of Accounts could not determine the accuracy of the Reports. Additionally, eight of eight key line items selected for testing could not be verified to the financial records. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause According to the School Corporation, these issues were due to the reporting differences of how the annual expenditure report categories are different than the annual Data Collection reports. The School Corporation indicated that it had to go employee by employee to properly place them under the correct category using the reimbursement requests but did not retain that documentation of how it came to the numbers. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected with the Reporting compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish effective internal controls to ensure reports submitted are accurate and have supporting documentation. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and Activities Allowed or Unallowed Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Allowable Costs/Cost Principles, Activities Allowed or Unallowed Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund (ESF), established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and further funded by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRSSA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, was for the purpose of preventing, preparing for, or responding to the novel coronavirus. A sample of 40 vendor and payroll disbursements that were charged to the ESF grant for which reimbursement was received during the audit period was selected for testing to verify the expenditures were in conformance with the applicable allowable cost principles. Of the 40 disbursements tested, 4 payroll disbursements for accelerated learning were approved, but the School Corporation could not provide documentation to show where the governing board approved their rate of pay. In addition, there was a transfer from the ESSER II - Cares grant fund to the Education fund for $117,177 to reimburse that fund for expenses on June 20, 2024. The School Corporation was unable to provide documentation for the expenses that were reimbursed to ensure they were for allowable activities and allowable costs. The ineffective internal controls were a systemic issue throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. . . . (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." Cause Management had not developed a system of internal controls that would have ensured compliance with the Allowable Costs/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements. Management was not aware that they should have only been reimbursed for expenditures made out of the ESF funds or should have moved the expenditures and retained proper documentation to support what expenditures tied to what was reimbursed. It was noted that the accelerated learning rate of pay was discussed at a School Board meeting, but the approved wage rates were not documented in the School Board minutes or on any sort of salary schedule approved by the School Board members. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Allowable Cost/Cost Principles and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed compliance requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There was a total of $173,841 of questioned costs as referenced under the Condition and Context. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls to ensure only allowable activities and allowable costs are charged to grants funds and to ensure grant money is only requested for reimbursement for monies directly related to the grant program. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-006 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Reporting Federal Agency: Indiana Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-010. Condition and Context An effective internal control system was not designed or implemented at the School Corporation to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirement. Even though the reports were reviewed by someone other than the preparer, the School Corporation was not able to provide financial information that was used to determine amounts used in the reports. The School Corporation completed and submitted four annual Data Collection reports (Reports) for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants. For all four of the Reports, the School Corporation was unable to provide financial information to support the amounts in the Reports; therefore, the Indiana State Board of Accounts could not determine the accuracy of the Reports. Additionally, eight of eight key line items selected for testing could not be verified to the financial records. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following . . . (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 34 CFR 76.731 states: "A State and a subgrantee shall keep records to show its compliance with program requirements." Cause According to the School Corporation, these issues were due to the reporting differences of how the annual expenditure report categories are different than the annual Data Collection reports. The School Corporation indicated that it had to go employee by employee to properly place them under the correct category using the reimbursement requests but did not retain that documentation of how it came to the numbers. Effect The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled noncompliance to go undetected with the Reporting compliance requirement. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish effective internal controls to ensure reports submitted are accurate and have supporting documentation. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
2024 – 001 Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.063 and 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: See FAIN numbers included within the Context section below; all grants were awarded within the 2022-23 and 2023-24 award years. Award Period: July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Other Matters Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations, consisting of 2 CFR 200.303, 34 CFR 685.309, and 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2), requires that enrollment status changes for students be reported to NSLDS within 30 days or within 60 days if the student with the status change will be reported on a scheduled transmission within 60 days of the change in status. Additionally, schools are required to certify enrollment at a minimum of every 60 days or every other month. Condition and Context: During our testing of NSLDS Enrollment Reporting on the State System, we noted: 1) Status change received by NSLDS was outside of the 60-day time frame. • Cheyney University (P268K222131, P268K232131, P063P212131, and P063P222131): 9 of the 12 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Commonwealth University (P268K242129, P268K252129, P063P222129 and P063P232129): 35 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 • East Stroudsburg University (P268K232133, P268K242133, P063P222133, and P063P232133): 2 of the 5 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Indiana University (P268K232107, P268K242107, P063P222107, and P063P232107): 17 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Kutztown University (P268K232135, P268K242135, P063P222135, and P063P232135): 3 of the 5 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Millersville University (P268K242138, P268K252138, P063P222138, P063P232138): 10 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 2) Enrollment was not certified at a minimum of every 60 days or every other month. • Commonwealth University (P268K242129, P268K252129, P063P222129 and P063P232129): 23 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 • East Stroudsburg University (P268K232133, P268K242133, P063P222133, and P063P232133): 2 of the 5 students tested for award year 2023-24 Questioned Costs: N/A Cause: The Universities’ policies and procedures were not designed to ensure that student status changes were timely reported to NSLDS. Effect: The NSLDS system is not updated with the student information which can cause over-awarding should the student transfer to another institution and the student may not properly enter the repayment period. Repeat Finding: Cheyney University – Yes – Finding 2023-002 Kutztown University – Yes – Finding 2022-002 East Stroudsburg University – Yes – Finding 2023-002 All Other Universities – No Recommendation: The Universities should review their reporting procedures to ensure that students’ statuses are timely reported to NSLDS as required by Federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024 – 001 Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.063 and 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: See FAIN numbers included within the Context section below; all grants were awarded within the 2022-23 and 2023-24 award years. Award Period: July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Other Matters Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations, consisting of 2 CFR 200.303, 34 CFR 685.309, and 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2), requires that enrollment status changes for students be reported to NSLDS within 30 days or within 60 days if the student with the status change will be reported on a scheduled transmission within 60 days of the change in status. Additionally, schools are required to certify enrollment at a minimum of every 60 days or every other month. Condition and Context: During our testing of NSLDS Enrollment Reporting on the State System, we noted: 1) Status change received by NSLDS was outside of the 60-day time frame. • Cheyney University (P268K222131, P268K232131, P063P212131, and P063P222131): 9 of the 12 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Commonwealth University (P268K242129, P268K252129, P063P222129 and P063P232129): 35 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 • East Stroudsburg University (P268K232133, P268K242133, P063P222133, and P063P232133): 2 of the 5 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Indiana University (P268K232107, P268K242107, P063P222107, and P063P232107): 17 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Kutztown University (P268K232135, P268K242135, P063P222135, and P063P232135): 3 of the 5 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Millersville University (P268K242138, P268K252138, P063P222138, P063P232138): 10 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 2) Enrollment was not certified at a minimum of every 60 days or every other month. • Commonwealth University (P268K242129, P268K252129, P063P222129 and P063P232129): 23 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 • East Stroudsburg University (P268K232133, P268K242133, P063P222133, and P063P232133): 2 of the 5 students tested for award year 2023-24 Questioned Costs: N/A Cause: The Universities’ policies and procedures were not designed to ensure that student status changes were timely reported to NSLDS. Effect: The NSLDS system is not updated with the student information which can cause over-awarding should the student transfer to another institution and the student may not properly enter the repayment period. Repeat Finding: Cheyney University – Yes – Finding 2023-002 Kutztown University – Yes – Finding 2022-002 East Stroudsburg University – Yes – Finding 2023-002 All Other Universities – No Recommendation: The Universities should review their reporting procedures to ensure that students’ statuses are timely reported to NSLDS as required by Federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024 – 002 Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.063 and 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: See FAIN numbers included within the Context section below; all grants were awarded within the 2022-23 and 2023-24 award years Award Period: July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Other Matters Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 685.309(b), states that: 1) Schools must have some arrangement to report student enrollment data to NSLDS through an enrollment roster file. The school is required to report changes in the student’s enrollment status, the effective date of the status, and an anticipated completion date. Also, the Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 682.610, states that institutions must report accurately the enrollment status of all students regardless if they receive aid from the institution or not. 2) Schools must have some arrangement to report student program enrollment effective date and status to NSLDS. The Code of Federal Regulations, 2 CFR 200.303, non-Federal entities receiving Federal awards are required to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations and program compliance requirements. Condition and Context: During our testing of enrollment status reporting on the State System, we noted: 1) Incorrect Enrollment Effective Date Reported to NSLDS • Cheyney University (P268K222131, P268K232131, P063P212131, and P063P222131): 2 of the 12 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Commonwealth University (P268K242129, P268K252129, P063P222129 and P063P232129): 2 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 • East Stroudsburg University (P268K232133, P268K242133, P063P222133, and P063P232133): 3 of the 5 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Indiana University (P268K232107, P268K242107, P063P222107, and P063P232107): 17 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Kutztown University (P268K232135, P268K242135, P063P222135, and P063P232135): 2 of the 5 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Millersville University (P268K242138, P268K252138, P063P222138, P063P232138): 22 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 2) Incorrect Program Enrollment Effective Date Reported to NSLDS • Cheyney University (P268K222131, P268K232131, P063P212131, and P063P222131): 1 of the 12 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Indiana University (P268K232107, P268K242107, P063P222107, and P063P232107): 3 of the 40 students tested for the award year 2023-24. 3) Incorrect Program Enrollment Status Reported to NSLDS • Cheyney University (P268K222131, P268K232131, P063P212131, and P063P222131): 4 of the 12 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Commonwealth University (P268K242129, P268K252129, P063P222129 and P063P232129): 2 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Millersville University (P268K242138, P268K252138, P063P222138, P063P232138): 1 of the 40 students tested for award year 2022-23 Questioned Costs: N/A Causes: 1) The Universities did not have a process in place to ensure the effective date reported to NSLDS matches the effective date of the student’s last date of attendance. 2) The Universities did not have a process in place to ensure the student’s program enrollment effective date was being accurately reported. 3) The Universities did not have a process in place to ensure the student’s program enrollment status was being accurately reported. Effect: 1) The enrollment effective date reported to NSLDS is used to determine when the student’s grace period should begin. By not reporting a correct effective date, the grace period begin date for the student will be incorrect. 2) The program enrollment effective date reported to NSLDS is used to determine the student’s 150% limit for direct loans as well as when grace period should begin. By not reporting the correct status, the calculation of the 150% would be incorrect and the grace period begin date would be incorrect. Repeat Finding: Cheyney University – Yes – Finding 2022-003 East Stroudsburg - Yes – Finding 2022-003 Kutztown University – Yes – Finding 2022-003 Commonwealth University (Lock Haven University) – Yes – Finding 2022-003 All Other Universities – No Recommendation: 1) The Universities should evaluate their procedures and review policies surrounding reporting status changes to NSLDS to ensure the enrollment effective date reported to NSLDS is aligning with the Universities’ last date of attendance. 2) The Universities should evaluate their procedures and review policies surrounding reporting program enrollment effective dates to NSLDS. 3) The Universities should evaluate their procedures and review policies surrounding reporting program enrollment statuses to NSLDS. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024 – 002 Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing Numbers: 84.063 and 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: See FAIN numbers included within the Context section below; all grants were awarded within the 2022-23 and 2023-24 award years Award Period: July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance and Other Matters Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 685.309(b), states that: 1) Schools must have some arrangement to report student enrollment data to NSLDS through an enrollment roster file. The school is required to report changes in the student’s enrollment status, the effective date of the status, and an anticipated completion date. Also, the Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 682.610, states that institutions must report accurately the enrollment status of all students regardless if they receive aid from the institution or not. 2) Schools must have some arrangement to report student program enrollment effective date and status to NSLDS. The Code of Federal Regulations, 2 CFR 200.303, non-Federal entities receiving Federal awards are required to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations and program compliance requirements. Condition and Context: During our testing of enrollment status reporting on the State System, we noted: 1) Incorrect Enrollment Effective Date Reported to NSLDS • Cheyney University (P268K222131, P268K232131, P063P212131, and P063P222131): 2 of the 12 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Commonwealth University (P268K242129, P268K252129, P063P222129 and P063P232129): 2 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 • East Stroudsburg University (P268K232133, P268K242133, P063P222133, and P063P232133): 3 of the 5 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Indiana University (P268K232107, P268K242107, P063P222107, and P063P232107): 17 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Kutztown University (P268K232135, P268K242135, P063P222135, and P063P232135): 2 of the 5 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Millersville University (P268K242138, P268K252138, P063P222138, P063P232138): 22 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 2) Incorrect Program Enrollment Effective Date Reported to NSLDS • Cheyney University (P268K222131, P268K232131, P063P212131, and P063P222131): 1 of the 12 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Indiana University (P268K232107, P268K242107, P063P222107, and P063P232107): 3 of the 40 students tested for the award year 2023-24. 3) Incorrect Program Enrollment Status Reported to NSLDS • Cheyney University (P268K222131, P268K232131, P063P212131, and P063P222131): 4 of the 12 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Commonwealth University (P268K242129, P268K252129, P063P222129 and P063P232129): 2 of the 40 students tested for award year 2023-24 • Millersville University (P268K242138, P268K252138, P063P222138, P063P232138): 1 of the 40 students tested for award year 2022-23 Questioned Costs: N/A Causes: 1) The Universities did not have a process in place to ensure the effective date reported to NSLDS matches the effective date of the student’s last date of attendance. 2) The Universities did not have a process in place to ensure the student’s program enrollment effective date was being accurately reported. 3) The Universities did not have a process in place to ensure the student’s program enrollment status was being accurately reported. Effect: 1) The enrollment effective date reported to NSLDS is used to determine when the student’s grace period should begin. By not reporting a correct effective date, the grace period begin date for the student will be incorrect. 2) The program enrollment effective date reported to NSLDS is used to determine the student’s 150% limit for direct loans as well as when grace period should begin. By not reporting the correct status, the calculation of the 150% would be incorrect and the grace period begin date would be incorrect. Repeat Finding: Cheyney University – Yes – Finding 2022-003 East Stroudsburg - Yes – Finding 2022-003 Kutztown University – Yes – Finding 2022-003 Commonwealth University (Lock Haven University) – Yes – Finding 2022-003 All Other Universities – No Recommendation: 1) The Universities should evaluate their procedures and review policies surrounding reporting status changes to NSLDS to ensure the enrollment effective date reported to NSLDS is aligning with the Universities’ last date of attendance. 2) The Universities should evaluate their procedures and review policies surrounding reporting program enrollment effective dates to NSLDS. 3) The Universities should evaluate their procedures and review policies surrounding reporting program enrollment statuses to NSLDS. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024 – 003 Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P268K242129, P268K252129; all grants were awarded within the 2022-23 and 2023-24 award years Award Period: July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations, 2 CFR 200.303, non-Federal entities receiving Federal awards are required to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations and program compliance requirements. Condition and Context: During the testing of Direct Loan Reconciliations on the State System, we noted that Commonwealth University was performing reconciliations; however, formal documentation of review or approval could not be provided. Questioned Costs: N/A Cause: The University financial and student records management did not have the appropriate coordination or communication with the financial aid team to formally document the review of the reconciliations being performed on a timely basis. Effect: The University is not complying with internal policy and federal requirements to ensure federal funds are properly reconciled. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: The University should ensure all necessary employees receive proper training, support, and time to follow the university policies and federal requirements related to monthly reconciliations and maintenance of documentation. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2024-003 Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 1505-0271 - 2021 Award Period: March 3, 2021 – December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: 2 CFR 200.214 Suspension and Debarment restricts awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. 2 CFR 180.300 states that an entity may determine suspension and debarment status by: (a) Checking SAM (System for Award Management) Exclusions; of (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause of condition to the covered transaction with that person. Controls: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the ”Internal Control Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The Town did not determine the suspension and debarment status of vendors with expenditures exceeding $25,000 on a timely basis, as required by federal regulations. Questioned Cost: None Context: Four of the Five vendors we selected for testing had the suspension and debarment status verified, however it was not performed timely. Cause: The Town’s procedures and internal controls over suspension and debarment are not sufficient to ensure that all vendors’ suspension and debarment status is verified timely. Effect: Failure to verify the suspension and debarment status of vendors may result in the Town issuing payments to vendors what are suspended and debarred and not authorized to provide services under the program. Repeat Finding: Yes, Finding 2023-003 Recommendation: We recommend management ensure policies and procedures include the three options for determining suspension and debarment status listed in 2 CFR 180.300 and that controls are sufficient to ensure that the suspension and debarment status is verified for all vendors prior to issuance of the contract. View of responsible officials and planned corrected actions: Management concurs with this finding. Management has implemented a policy going forward to ensure all vendors entered into a contract will sign a suspension and debarment agreement.
2024-003 Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 1505-0271 - 2021 Award Period: March 3, 2021 – December 31, 2024 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: 2 CFR 200.214 Suspension and Debarment restricts awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. 2 CFR 180.300 states that an entity may determine suspension and debarment status by: (a) Checking SAM (System for Award Management) Exclusions; of (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause of condition to the covered transaction with that person. Controls: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the ”Internal Control Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The Town did not determine the suspension and debarment status of vendors with expenditures exceeding $25,000 on a timely basis, as required by federal regulations. Questioned Cost: None Context: Four of the Five vendors we selected for testing had the suspension and debarment status verified, however it was not performed timely. Cause: The Town’s procedures and internal controls over suspension and debarment are not sufficient to ensure that all vendors’ suspension and debarment status is verified timely. Effect: Failure to verify the suspension and debarment status of vendors may result in the Town issuing payments to vendors what are suspended and debarred and not authorized to provide services under the program. Repeat Finding: Yes, Finding 2023-003 Recommendation: We recommend management ensure policies and procedures include the three options for determining suspension and debarment status listed in 2 CFR 180.300 and that controls are sufficient to ensure that the suspension and debarment status is verified for all vendors prior to issuance of the contract. View of responsible officials and planned corrected actions: Management concurs with this finding. Management has implemented a policy going forward to ensure all vendors entered into a contract will sign a suspension and debarment agreement.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
2024-003: Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Compliance – Setup and Monitoring of Reporting and Match Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Program(s) and Federal Award Listing Number(s): Airport Improvement Program ALN: 20.106 FAIN: 3-02-0133-092-2022, 3-02-0133-098-2023, 3-02-0133-100-2023 New or Repeat: New Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 requires internal controls to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, while 2 CFR 200.306 mandates proper tracking and documentation of matching contributions. Condition: Internal controls were not sufficiently designed and implemented to ensure that matching funds were correctly allocated in accordance with grant requirements. As a result, errors in the match setup were not detected in a timely manner, leading to discrepancies between the financial data provided for audit and the City and Borough’s prepared reports submitted to the grantor. Internal controls over reporting were not designed or implemented to detect and correct the errors prior to report submission. Context: The City and Borough’s financial system was not properly configured to allocate matching funds correctly, resulting in discrepancies in reported amounts. Specifically, an under-allocation to an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant and an over-allocation to the match occurred in one project of $474,704 and an under-allocation to match and over-allocation of $107,651 to two other AIP grants occurred. Effect: Overall expenses were under-allocated to the AIP and over-allocated to match funding. The overall impact of these errors resulted in discrepancies between reported amounts and supporting documentation. Due to amount reported as AIP costs being under-reported, this is considered immaterial non-compliance and is reported as an other matter. Questioned costs: No questioned costs as overall program impact was the under-allocation of expenses to the grants as of June 30, 2024. The City and Borough elected not to adjust the amounts reported in the schedule of expenditures of federal awards, since allocations and reports can be corrected in the following reporting year. Cause: Internal controls were not designed or implemented to detect the incorrect system configuration for allocating project expenses between grant and match funds in a timely manner, nor was the report preparation review process sufficiently designed or implemented to detect and correct the under-and over-allocations of project costs being reported. Recommendation: We recommend the City and Borough improve monitoring controls over the setup for project expense allocations and the review controls over report preparation process to ensure that errors are detected and corrected in a timely manner. View of responsible officials: Management concurs with this finding, see corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-002 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: 84.027X, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-087-ARP, 22619-087-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a nonfederal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Small purchase procedures require that price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources or documented reasoning to support a single source provider. During the audit period, the School Corporation had six vendors, totaling $165,726, that were determined to require small purchase procedures. Two vendors were selected for testing. For the two vendors tested, the School Corporation procured $82,669 in services and could not provide evidence of open competition or quotes for the purchases. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 WARRICK COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Additionally, the School Corporation had not established a purchasing policy that would reflect applicable state laws and regulations, including procedures to avoid the acquisition of unnecessary or duplicative items; procedures to ensure that all solicitations incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured; procedures ensure that all solicitations identify all requirements which the offerors must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals; and did not maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts. 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 person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Three covered transactions for goods or services that exceeded $25,000 paid from the Special Education funds during the audit period were identified. The School Corporation did not verify the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to payment for any of the three vendors. Amounts paid to the vendors totaled $131,637. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 WARRICK COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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. . . ." 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 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 School Corporation did not have the proper safeguards in place to ensure that the documentation was properly maintained. As a result, the School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to demonstrate it had properly procured services. In addition, the Treasurer and Assistant Superintendent of Schools assumed the vendor's suspension and debarment status was verified and quotes were being obtained or reasoning for a single source provider was being documented. There was not adequate oversight to ensure proper procurement procedures were being followed. Effect The School Corporation was not able to provide the documentation that they followed the proper procurement procedures or that they verified vendors were not suspended or debarred. By not following proper procurement procedures, the School Corporation may not be receiving the most competitive pricing. If the School Corporation does not verify that vendors are not suspended or debarred, the School Corporation may be purchasing from vendors that are not eligible to receive federal funds. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 WARRICK COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Without a proper system of internal controls in place that operated effectively, material noncompliance remained undetected. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and that contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Documentation of all procurement and suspension and debarment activities should be maintained. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 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: 84.027X, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-087-ARP, 22619-087-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a nonfederal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Small purchase procedures require that price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources or documented reasoning to support a single source provider. During the audit period, the School Corporation had six vendors, totaling $165,726, that were determined to require small purchase procedures. Two vendors were selected for testing. For the two vendors tested, the School Corporation procured $82,669 in services and could not provide evidence of open competition or quotes for the purchases. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 WARRICK COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Additionally, the School Corporation had not established a purchasing policy that would reflect applicable state laws and regulations, including procedures to avoid the acquisition of unnecessary or duplicative items; procedures to ensure that all solicitations incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured; procedures ensure that all solicitations identify all requirements which the offerors must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals; and did not maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts. 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 person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Three covered transactions for goods or services that exceeded $25,000 paid from the Special Education funds during the audit period were identified. The School Corporation did not verify the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to payment for any of the three vendors. Amounts paid to the vendors totaled $131,637. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 WARRICK COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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. . . ." 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 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 School Corporation did not have the proper safeguards in place to ensure that the documentation was properly maintained. As a result, the School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to demonstrate it had properly procured services. In addition, the Treasurer and Assistant Superintendent of Schools assumed the vendor's suspension and debarment status was verified and quotes were being obtained or reasoning for a single source provider was being documented. There was not adequate oversight to ensure proper procurement procedures were being followed. Effect The School Corporation was not able to provide the documentation that they followed the proper procurement procedures or that they verified vendors were not suspended or debarred. By not following proper procurement procedures, the School Corporation may not be receiving the most competitive pricing. If the School Corporation does not verify that vendors are not suspended or debarred, the School Corporation may be purchasing from vendors that are not eligible to receive federal funds. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 WARRICK COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Without a proper system of internal controls in place that operated effectively, material noncompliance remained undetected. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and that contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Documentation of all procurement and suspension and debarment activities should be maintained. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 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: 84.027X, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-087-ARP, 22619-087-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a nonfederal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Small purchase procedures require that price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources or documented reasoning to support a single source provider. During the audit period, the School Corporation had six vendors, totaling $165,726, that were determined to require small purchase procedures. Two vendors were selected for testing. For the two vendors tested, the School Corporation procured $82,669 in services and could not provide evidence of open competition or quotes for the purchases. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 WARRICK COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Additionally, the School Corporation had not established a purchasing policy that would reflect applicable state laws and regulations, including procedures to avoid the acquisition of unnecessary or duplicative items; procedures to ensure that all solicitations incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured; procedures ensure that all solicitations identify all requirements which the offerors must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals; and did not maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts. 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 person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Three covered transactions for goods or services that exceeded $25,000 paid from the Special Education funds during the audit period were identified. The School Corporation did not verify the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to payment for any of the three vendors. Amounts paid to the vendors totaled $131,637. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 WARRICK COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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. . . ." 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 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 School Corporation did not have the proper safeguards in place to ensure that the documentation was properly maintained. As a result, the School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to demonstrate it had properly procured services. In addition, the Treasurer and Assistant Superintendent of Schools assumed the vendor's suspension and debarment status was verified and quotes were being obtained or reasoning for a single source provider was being documented. There was not adequate oversight to ensure proper procurement procedures were being followed. Effect The School Corporation was not able to provide the documentation that they followed the proper procurement procedures or that they verified vendors were not suspended or debarred. By not following proper procurement procedures, the School Corporation may not be receiving the most competitive pricing. If the School Corporation does not verify that vendors are not suspended or debarred, the School Corporation may be purchasing from vendors that are not eligible to receive federal funds. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 WARRICK COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Without a proper system of internal controls in place that operated effectively, material noncompliance remained undetected. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and that contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Documentation of all procurement and suspension and debarment activities should be maintained. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-002 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: 84.027X, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-087-ARP, 22619-087-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a nonfederal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, informal procurement methods are permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Small purchase procedures require that price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources or documented reasoning to support a single source provider. During the audit period, the School Corporation had six vendors, totaling $165,726, that were determined to require small purchase procedures. Two vendors were selected for testing. For the two vendors tested, the School Corporation procured $82,669 in services and could not provide evidence of open competition or quotes for the purchases. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 15 WARRICK COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Additionally, the School Corporation had not established a purchasing policy that would reflect applicable state laws and regulations, including procedures to avoid the acquisition of unnecessary or duplicative items; procedures to ensure that all solicitations incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured; procedures ensure that all solicitations identify all requirements which the offerors must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals; and did not maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts. 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 person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. Three covered transactions for goods or services that exceeded $25,000 paid from the Special Education funds during the audit period were identified. The School Corporation did not verify the vendor's suspension and debarment status prior to payment for any of the three vendors. Amounts paid to the vendors totaled $131,637. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 16 WARRICK COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) 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. . . ." 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 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 School Corporation did not have the proper safeguards in place to ensure that the documentation was properly maintained. As a result, the School Corporation was unable to provide documentation to demonstrate it had properly procured services. In addition, the Treasurer and Assistant Superintendent of Schools assumed the vendor's suspension and debarment status was verified and quotes were being obtained or reasoning for a single source provider was being documented. There was not adequate oversight to ensure proper procurement procedures were being followed. Effect The School Corporation was not able to provide the documentation that they followed the proper procurement procedures or that they verified vendors were not suspended or debarred. By not following proper procurement procedures, the School Corporation may not be receiving the most competitive pricing. If the School Corporation does not verify that vendors are not suspended or debarred, the School Corporation may be purchasing from vendors that are not eligible to receive federal funds. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 17 WARRICK COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Without a proper system of internal controls in place that operated effectively, material noncompliance remained undetected. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funding to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and that contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. Documentation of all procurement and suspension and debarment activities should be maintained. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
2024-002 Policies Regarding Internal Controls Over Federal Awards (Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance —All Awards) Criteria: 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303(a) The recipient and subrecipient of federal awards must establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient or subrecipient is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition and Context: The Agency historically updated their documentation of internal controls in conjunction with the annual audit. However, the Agency was unable to provide internally produced written policies regarding the internal controls over state and federal awards. Cause: A misunderstanding of the requirements to maintain written policies over federal awards. Effect: The Agency is not in compliance with requirements for recipients and subrecipients of federal awards per 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303. Accounting department staff lack clearly documented guidance for implementing internal controls over federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Recommendations: Management should familiarize themselves with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 regarding the specific written policies required to be maintained for recipients and subrecipients of federal awards. Management should develop and maintain internally produced written policies regarding the internal controls over federal awards as described in 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303. Written policies over internal controls over federal awards developed by management should be approved by the Board of Directors or designated committee. Written policies should be made available to accounting department staff involved in the accounting procedures related to federal award expenditures. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is committed to compliance in accordance with all grant agreements and will work to formally document the Agency’s internal controls over Federal and State awards. Additional training will be provided as needed to prevent future findings.
2024-002 Policies Regarding Internal Controls Over Federal Awards (Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance —All Awards) Criteria: 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303(a) The recipient and subrecipient of federal awards must establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient or subrecipient is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition and Context: The Agency historically updated their documentation of internal controls in conjunction with the annual audit. However, the Agency was unable to provide internally produced written policies regarding the internal controls over state and federal awards. Cause: A misunderstanding of the requirements to maintain written policies over federal awards. Effect: The Agency is not in compliance with requirements for recipients and subrecipients of federal awards per 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303. Accounting department staff lack clearly documented guidance for implementing internal controls over federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Recommendations: Management should familiarize themselves with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 regarding the specific written policies required to be maintained for recipients and subrecipients of federal awards. Management should develop and maintain internally produced written policies regarding the internal controls over federal awards as described in 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303. Written policies over internal controls over federal awards developed by management should be approved by the Board of Directors or designated committee. Written policies should be made available to accounting department staff involved in the accounting procedures related to federal award expenditures. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is committed to compliance in accordance with all grant agreements and will work to formally document the Agency’s internal controls over Federal and State awards. Additional training will be provided as needed to prevent future findings.
2024-002 Policies Regarding Internal Controls Over Federal Awards (Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance —All Awards) Criteria: 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303(a) The recipient and subrecipient of federal awards must establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient or subrecipient is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition and Context: The Agency historically updated their documentation of internal controls in conjunction with the annual audit. However, the Agency was unable to provide internally produced written policies regarding the internal controls over state and federal awards. Cause: A misunderstanding of the requirements to maintain written policies over federal awards. Effect: The Agency is not in compliance with requirements for recipients and subrecipients of federal awards per 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303. Accounting department staff lack clearly documented guidance for implementing internal controls over federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Recommendations: Management should familiarize themselves with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 regarding the specific written policies required to be maintained for recipients and subrecipients of federal awards. Management should develop and maintain internally produced written policies regarding the internal controls over federal awards as described in 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303. Written policies over internal controls over federal awards developed by management should be approved by the Board of Directors or designated committee. Written policies should be made available to accounting department staff involved in the accounting procedures related to federal award expenditures. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is committed to compliance in accordance with all grant agreements and will work to formally document the Agency’s internal controls over Federal and State awards. Additional training will be provided as needed to prevent future findings.
2024-002 Policies Regarding Internal Controls Over Federal Awards (Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance —All Awards) Criteria: 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303(a) The recipient and subrecipient of federal awards must establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient or subrecipient is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition and Context: The Agency historically updated their documentation of internal controls in conjunction with the annual audit. However, the Agency was unable to provide internally produced written policies regarding the internal controls over state and federal awards. Cause: A misunderstanding of the requirements to maintain written policies over federal awards. Effect: The Agency is not in compliance with requirements for recipients and subrecipients of federal awards per 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303. Accounting department staff lack clearly documented guidance for implementing internal controls over federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Recommendations: Management should familiarize themselves with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 regarding the specific written policies required to be maintained for recipients and subrecipients of federal awards. Management should develop and maintain internally produced written policies regarding the internal controls over federal awards as described in 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303. Written policies over internal controls over federal awards developed by management should be approved by the Board of Directors or designated committee. Written policies should be made available to accounting department staff involved in the accounting procedures related to federal award expenditures. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is committed to compliance in accordance with all grant agreements and will work to formally document the Agency’s internal controls over Federal and State awards. Additional training will be provided as needed to prevent future findings.
2024-002 Policies Regarding Internal Controls Over Federal Awards (Significant Deficiency in Internal Controls over Compliance and Noncompliance —All Awards) Criteria: 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303(a) The recipient and subrecipient of federal awards must establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient or subrecipient is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition and Context: The Agency historically updated their documentation of internal controls in conjunction with the annual audit. However, the Agency was unable to provide internally produced written policies regarding the internal controls over state and federal awards. Cause: A misunderstanding of the requirements to maintain written policies over federal awards. Effect: The Agency is not in compliance with requirements for recipients and subrecipients of federal awards per 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303. Accounting department staff lack clearly documented guidance for implementing internal controls over federal awards. Questioned Costs: None Recommendations: Management should familiarize themselves with the requirements of 2 CFR 200 regarding the specific written policies required to be maintained for recipients and subrecipients of federal awards. Management should develop and maintain internally produced written policies regarding the internal controls over federal awards as described in 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, £200.303. Written policies over internal controls over federal awards developed by management should be approved by the Board of Directors or designated committee. Written policies should be made available to accounting department staff involved in the accounting procedures related to federal award expenditures. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management is committed to compliance in accordance with all grant agreements and will work to formally document the Agency’s internal controls over Federal and State awards. Additional training will be provided as needed to prevent future findings.
2024-001 – Suspension and Debarment Material Weakness Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Assistance Listing Number(s): 16.817 – Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program 16.525 – Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking on Campus 47.084 – NSFT Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships 47.074 – Biological Sciences 47.076 – Education and Human resources 47.070 – Computer and Information Science and Engineering 11.417 – Sea Grant Support Criteria: The Federal Government requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. In addition, per the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.303, nonfederal entities receiving federal awards are required to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Condition: The University was not able to provide an audit trail to support the verification that a vendor was not suspended and debarred before entering into a contract. Cause: The University does not have a control and/or process in place to ensure that the audit trail surrounding suspension and debarment verification is maintained. Effect or Potential Effect: There is a possibility of the University entering into a contract with a vendor or subrecipient that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Due to the University not having an audit trail for their internal controls around suspension and debarment verification, RSM evaluated the suspension and debarment compliance requirement as having a high level of control risk. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its procedures and implement additional control to ensure an audit trail is maintained surrounding the verification that vendors are not suspended and debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
2024-001 – Suspension and Debarment Material Weakness Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Assistance Listing Number(s): 16.817 – Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program 16.525 – Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking on Campus 47.084 – NSFT Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships 47.074 – Biological Sciences 47.076 – Education and Human resources 47.070 – Computer and Information Science and Engineering 11.417 – Sea Grant Support Criteria: The Federal Government requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. In addition, per the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.303, nonfederal entities receiving federal awards are required to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Condition: The University was not able to provide an audit trail to support the verification that a vendor was not suspended and debarred before entering into a contract. Cause: The University does not have a control and/or process in place to ensure that the audit trail surrounding suspension and debarment verification is maintained. Effect or Potential Effect: There is a possibility of the University entering into a contract with a vendor or subrecipient that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Due to the University not having an audit trail for their internal controls around suspension and debarment verification, RSM evaluated the suspension and debarment compliance requirement as having a high level of control risk. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its procedures and implement additional control to ensure an audit trail is maintained surrounding the verification that vendors are not suspended and debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
2024-001 – Suspension and Debarment Material Weakness Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Assistance Listing Number(s): 16.817 – Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program 16.525 – Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking on Campus 47.084 – NSFT Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships 47.074 – Biological Sciences 47.076 – Education and Human resources 47.070 – Computer and Information Science and Engineering 11.417 – Sea Grant Support Criteria: The Federal Government requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. In addition, per the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.303, nonfederal entities receiving federal awards are required to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Condition: The University was not able to provide an audit trail to support the verification that a vendor was not suspended and debarred before entering into a contract. Cause: The University does not have a control and/or process in place to ensure that the audit trail surrounding suspension and debarment verification is maintained. Effect or Potential Effect: There is a possibility of the University entering into a contract with a vendor or subrecipient that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Due to the University not having an audit trail for their internal controls around suspension and debarment verification, RSM evaluated the suspension and debarment compliance requirement as having a high level of control risk. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its procedures and implement additional control to ensure an audit trail is maintained surrounding the verification that vendors are not suspended and debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
2024-001 – Suspension and Debarment Material Weakness Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Assistance Listing Number(s): 16.817 – Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program 16.525 – Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking on Campus 47.084 – NSFT Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships 47.074 – Biological Sciences 47.076 – Education and Human resources 47.070 – Computer and Information Science and Engineering 11.417 – Sea Grant Support Criteria: The Federal Government requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. In addition, per the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.303, nonfederal entities receiving federal awards are required to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Condition: The University was not able to provide an audit trail to support the verification that a vendor was not suspended and debarred before entering into a contract. Cause: The University does not have a control and/or process in place to ensure that the audit trail surrounding suspension and debarment verification is maintained. Effect or Potential Effect: There is a possibility of the University entering into a contract with a vendor or subrecipient that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Due to the University not having an audit trail for their internal controls around suspension and debarment verification, RSM evaluated the suspension and debarment compliance requirement as having a high level of control risk. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its procedures and implement additional control to ensure an audit trail is maintained surrounding the verification that vendors are not suspended and debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
2024-001 – Suspension and Debarment Material Weakness Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Assistance Listing Number(s): 16.817 – Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program 16.525 – Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking on Campus 47.084 – NSFT Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships 47.074 – Biological Sciences 47.076 – Education and Human resources 47.070 – Computer and Information Science and Engineering 11.417 – Sea Grant Support Criteria: The Federal Government requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. In addition, per the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.303, nonfederal entities receiving federal awards are required to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Condition: The University was not able to provide an audit trail to support the verification that a vendor was not suspended and debarred before entering into a contract. Cause: The University does not have a control and/or process in place to ensure that the audit trail surrounding suspension and debarment verification is maintained. Effect or Potential Effect: There is a possibility of the University entering into a contract with a vendor or subrecipient that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Due to the University not having an audit trail for their internal controls around suspension and debarment verification, RSM evaluated the suspension and debarment compliance requirement as having a high level of control risk. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its procedures and implement additional control to ensure an audit trail is maintained surrounding the verification that vendors are not suspended and debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
2024-001 – Suspension and Debarment Material Weakness Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Assistance Listing Number(s): 16.817 – Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program 16.525 – Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking on Campus 47.084 – NSFT Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships 47.074 – Biological Sciences 47.076 – Education and Human resources 47.070 – Computer and Information Science and Engineering 11.417 – Sea Grant Support Criteria: The Federal Government requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. In addition, per the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.303, nonfederal entities receiving federal awards are required to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Condition: The University was not able to provide an audit trail to support the verification that a vendor was not suspended and debarred before entering into a contract. Cause: The University does not have a control and/or process in place to ensure that the audit trail surrounding suspension and debarment verification is maintained. Effect or Potential Effect: There is a possibility of the University entering into a contract with a vendor or subrecipient that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Due to the University not having an audit trail for their internal controls around suspension and debarment verification, RSM evaluated the suspension and debarment compliance requirement as having a high level of control risk. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its procedures and implement additional control to ensure an audit trail is maintained surrounding the verification that vendors are not suspended and debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
2024-001 – Suspension and Debarment Material Weakness Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Assistance Listing Number(s): 16.817 – Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program 16.525 – Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking on Campus 47.084 – NSFT Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships 47.074 – Biological Sciences 47.076 – Education and Human resources 47.070 – Computer and Information Science and Engineering 11.417 – Sea Grant Support Criteria: The Federal Government requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. In addition, per the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.303, nonfederal entities receiving federal awards are required to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Condition: The University was not able to provide an audit trail to support the verification that a vendor was not suspended and debarred before entering into a contract. Cause: The University does not have a control and/or process in place to ensure that the audit trail surrounding suspension and debarment verification is maintained. Effect or Potential Effect: There is a possibility of the University entering into a contract with a vendor or subrecipient that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Due to the University not having an audit trail for their internal controls around suspension and debarment verification, RSM evaluated the suspension and debarment compliance requirement as having a high level of control risk. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its procedures and implement additional control to ensure an audit trail is maintained surrounding the verification that vendors are not suspended and debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
2024-001 – Suspension and Debarment Material Weakness Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Assistance Listing Number(s): 16.817 – Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program 16.525 – Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking on Campus 47.084 – NSFT Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships 47.074 – Biological Sciences 47.076 – Education and Human resources 47.070 – Computer and Information Science and Engineering 11.417 – Sea Grant Support Criteria: The Federal Government requires that when a non-federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. In addition, per the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.303, nonfederal entities receiving federal awards are required to establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Condition: The University was not able to provide an audit trail to support the verification that a vendor was not suspended and debarred before entering into a contract. Cause: The University does not have a control and/or process in place to ensure that the audit trail surrounding suspension and debarment verification is maintained. Effect or Potential Effect: There is a possibility of the University entering into a contract with a vendor or subrecipient that is suspended or debarred. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Due to the University not having an audit trail for their internal controls around suspension and debarment verification, RSM evaluated the suspension and debarment compliance requirement as having a high level of control risk. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend the University evaluate its procedures and implement additional control to ensure an audit trail is maintained surrounding the verification that vendors are not suspended and debarred. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. See corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-004 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 four Annual Data Reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year during the audit period to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. We noted that the CrossAct amount reported on the Year 3 report (118 employees) did not agree to the underlying employee records (94 employees). Additionally, we noted that the CrossAct amount reported on the Year 4 report (104 employees) did not agree to the underlying employee records (112 employees). Additionally, for all reports the School Corporation was required to submit during the audit period, auditable evidence of review and approval of these reports was not provided. Identification as a repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. 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.
FINDING 2024-004 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 four Annual Data Reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year during the audit period to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. We noted that the CrossAct amount reported on the Year 3 report (118 employees) did not agree to the underlying employee records (94 employees). Additionally, we noted that the CrossAct amount reported on the Year 4 report (104 employees) did not agree to the underlying employee records (112 employees). Additionally, for all reports the School Corporation was required to submit during the audit period, auditable evidence of review and approval of these reports was not provided. Identification as a repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. 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.
FINDING 2024-005 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 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… 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 w ages 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 1 of 2 sample items tested, we noted the School Corporation expended approximately $152,000 on a new gym floor, which was funded with ESSER III (84.425U) grant awards. The School Corporation did not properly include Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements in the vendor contract. Additionally, the School Corporation did not obtain the weekly payroll reports certifications from the construction vendor to monitor compliance with Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements. Therefore, no review was performed to ensure that pay rates complied with the federal wage rate requirements. Identification as a repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-004. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation ensure vendor contracts with labor installation in excess of $2,000 which are funded by federal grants including Davis Bacon Wage Rate Requirement clauses and implement a formal process to ensure the required weekly payroll reports certifications are collected and reviewed to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Significant Deficiency 2024-001. Procurement United States Department of Education, passed through New York State Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund COVID-19: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund ALN: 84.425D COVID-19: American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief ALN: 84.425U COVID-19: American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Youth and Children ALN: 84.425W Criteria: 2 CFR §200.303 of the Uniform Guidance requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards to establish and maintain 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. Under the Uniform Guidance, federal awards recipients must maintain written documentation of internal control policies and procedures, such as procurement policies that adhere to state and local law, as well as federal regulations and statutes; procedures for documenting how costs are to be allocated to federal awards, documenting actual time and effort for payroll costs charged to federal awards; cash management procedures to minimize the time elapsed between the receipts and disbursements of federal funds; and, how to safeguard personally identifiable information. Condition: The District has not updated its existing policies and written procedures to conform to Uniform Guidance requirements. Cause: Staffing constraints have limited the District’s ability to perform a timely review of its existing policies and written procedures. Effect: Having insufficient or non-compliant written policies and procedures weaken internal controls over the federal awards received, increasing the risk of noncompliance with federal statutes and regulations. Questioned Costs: None reported. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding from the previous audit referenced 2023-001. Recommendation: The District must review its existing written policies and procedures and update them as needed in order to comply with requirements of Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials of Auditee: The District’s Assistant Superintendent for Business will work on updating all policies and procedures relating to U.S. Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance to ensure policies are in compliance with these guidelines.
Significant Deficiency 2024-001. Procurement United States Department of Education, passed through New York State Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund COVID-19: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund ALN: 84.425D COVID-19: American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief ALN: 84.425U COVID-19: American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Youth and Children ALN: 84.425W Criteria: 2 CFR §200.303 of the Uniform Guidance requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards to establish and maintain 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. Under the Uniform Guidance, federal awards recipients must maintain written documentation of internal control policies and procedures, such as procurement policies that adhere to state and local law, as well as federal regulations and statutes; procedures for documenting how costs are to be allocated to federal awards, documenting actual time and effort for payroll costs charged to federal awards; cash management procedures to minimize the time elapsed between the receipts and disbursements of federal funds; and, how to safeguard personally identifiable information. Condition: The District has not updated its existing policies and written procedures to conform to Uniform Guidance requirements. Cause: Staffing constraints have limited the District’s ability to perform a timely review of its existing policies and written procedures. Effect: Having insufficient or non-compliant written policies and procedures weaken internal controls over the federal awards received, increasing the risk of noncompliance with federal statutes and regulations. Questioned Costs: None reported. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding from the previous audit referenced 2023-001. Recommendation: The District must review its existing written policies and procedures and update them as needed in order to comply with requirements of Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials of Auditee: The District’s Assistant Superintendent for Business will work on updating all policies and procedures relating to U.S. Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance to ensure policies are in compliance with these guidelines.
Significant Deficiency 2024-001. Procurement United States Department of Education, passed through New York State Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund COVID-19: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund ALN: 84.425D COVID-19: American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief ALN: 84.425U COVID-19: American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Youth and Children ALN: 84.425W Criteria: 2 CFR §200.303 of the Uniform Guidance requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards to establish and maintain 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. Under the Uniform Guidance, federal awards recipients must maintain written documentation of internal control policies and procedures, such as procurement policies that adhere to state and local law, as well as federal regulations and statutes; procedures for documenting how costs are to be allocated to federal awards, documenting actual time and effort for payroll costs charged to federal awards; cash management procedures to minimize the time elapsed between the receipts and disbursements of federal funds; and, how to safeguard personally identifiable information. Condition: The District has not updated its existing policies and written procedures to conform to Uniform Guidance requirements. Cause: Staffing constraints have limited the District’s ability to perform a timely review of its existing policies and written procedures. Effect: Having insufficient or non-compliant written policies and procedures weaken internal controls over the federal awards received, increasing the risk of noncompliance with federal statutes and regulations. Questioned Costs: None reported. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding from the previous audit referenced 2023-001. Recommendation: The District must review its existing written policies and procedures and update them as needed in order to comply with requirements of Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials of Auditee: The District’s Assistant Superintendent for Business will work on updating all policies and procedures relating to U.S. Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance to ensure policies are in compliance with these guidelines.
Significant Deficiency 2024-001. Procurement United States Department of Education, passed through New York State Department of Education Education Stabilization Fund COVID-19: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund ALN: 84.425D COVID-19: American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief ALN: 84.425U COVID-19: American Rescue Plan – Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Youth and Children ALN: 84.425W Criteria: 2 CFR §200.303 of the Uniform Guidance requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards to establish and maintain 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. Under the Uniform Guidance, federal awards recipients must maintain written documentation of internal control policies and procedures, such as procurement policies that adhere to state and local law, as well as federal regulations and statutes; procedures for documenting how costs are to be allocated to federal awards, documenting actual time and effort for payroll costs charged to federal awards; cash management procedures to minimize the time elapsed between the receipts and disbursements of federal funds; and, how to safeguard personally identifiable information. Condition: The District has not updated its existing policies and written procedures to conform to Uniform Guidance requirements. Cause: Staffing constraints have limited the District’s ability to perform a timely review of its existing policies and written procedures. Effect: Having insufficient or non-compliant written policies and procedures weaken internal controls over the federal awards received, increasing the risk of noncompliance with federal statutes and regulations. Questioned Costs: None reported. Identification of a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding from the previous audit referenced 2023-001. Recommendation: The District must review its existing written policies and procedures and update them as needed in order to comply with requirements of Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials of Auditee: The District’s Assistant Superintendent for Business will work on updating all policies and procedures relating to U.S. Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance to ensure policies are in compliance with these guidelines.