Finding 2025-012 – Child Nutrition Cluster - Inadequate Procurement Policies and Procedures Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Compliance Requirement: Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria Pursuant to 2 CFR §§ 200.318 through 200.326, non-Federal entities are required to establish and maintain documented procurement procedures that comply with Federal procurement standards applicable to Federal awards. Additionally, 2 CFR § 200.303 requires non-Federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal controls over Federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of Federal awards. Written procurement policies should incorporate applicable Federal procurement methods, competition requirements, documentation standards, and suspension and debarment requirements to facilitate compliance with Uniform Guidance. Condition During testing of procurement and suspension and debarment requirements for the Child Nutrition Cluster, UHY noted that the County's procurement policy did not fully incorporate all requirements prescribed by Uniform Guidance, including certain Federal procurement standards and documentation requirements outlined in 2 CFR §§ 200.318 through 200.326. Although procurements tested during the audit were generally conducted in accordance with applicable requirements, the written procurement policy had not been updated to fully reflect all Federal procurement requirements applicable to federally funded procurements. Context During testing of procurement and suspension and debarment requirements for the Child Nutrition Cluster, UHY noted that the County's procurement policy did not fully incorporate all requirements prescribed by Uniform Guidance, including certain Federal procurement standards and documentation requirements outlined in 2 CFR §§ 200.318 through 200.326. Although procurements tested during the audit were generally conducted in accordance with applicable requirements, the written procurement policy had not been updated to fully reflect all Federal procurement requirements applicable to federally funded procurements. Cause Management had not updated the County's procurement policy to incorporate all applicable Federal procurement requirements prescribed by Uniform Guidance. Existing procedures relied upon management's knowledge and application of procurement requirements rather than a procurement policy that fully documented Federal requirements. Effect Because the County's procurement policy does not fully align with Uniform Guidance requirements, there is an increased risk that procurements charged to Federal awards may not be conducted or documented in accordance with applicable Federal requirements. The absence of a procurement policy that fully incorporates Federal procurement standards increases the likelihood that instances of noncompliance could occur and not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Accordingly, this matter represents a significant deficiency in internal control over compliance. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable No. Questioned Costs None identified. Recommendation Management should revise and update the County's procurement policy to incorporate all applicable requirements prescribed by 2 CFR §§ 200.318 through 200.326, including Federal procurement methods, competition requirements, documentation standards, and suspension and debarment requirements. Management should also implement procedures to periodically review changes in Federal grant requirements and update policies and procedures accordingly. Responsible Official Superintendent of Schools and Finance Director Views of Responsible Official The County concurs with the recommendation and will review and revise its procurement policy to incorporate all applicable Federal procurement requirements under Uniform Guidance. Management will also implement procedures to periodically monitor changes to Federal grant requirements and update procurement policies and procedures as necessary to ensure continued compliance with Federal requirements.
Reference Number: Prior Year Finding: 2025-007 N/A Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program: Community Development Block Grants/Entitlement Grants Assistance Listing Number: 14.218 Award Number and Year: B-24-MC-33-0001 (7/1/2024-6/30/2025) Compliance Requirement: Reporting – Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: Per 2 CFR Part 170, Appendix A, prime recipients must report each first-tier subaward obligating action of $30,000 or more to SAM.gov (formerly FSRS) no later than the end of the month following the month in which the obligation was made. The following key data elements must be reported: Subawardee Name and Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number; Amount of Subaward (inclusive of modifications); Subaward Obligation/Action Date; Date of Report Submission; Subaward Number; Project Description; and Names and Compensation of Highly Compensated Officers. (Names and Compensation of Highly Compensated Officers must only be reported when the entity in the preceding fiscal year received 80 percent or more of its annual gross revenues in Federal awards; and $25,000,000 or more in annual gross revenues from Federal awards; and the public does not have access to this information about the compensation of the senior executives of the entity through periodic reports filed under section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. §§ 78m(a), 78o(d)) or section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.) Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The City of Manchester, New Hampshire (City) did not report subaward information in accordance with FFATA requirements. CITY OF MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 (19) Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) Context: One of one subaward selected for testing was not reported timely. The subaward was reported 26 days late. Transactions Tested Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements 1 0 1 0 0 Dollar Amount of Tested Transactions Subaward not reported Report not timely Subaward amount incorrect Subaward missing key elements $576,845 $0 $576,845 $0 $0 Cause: The City’s procedures and controls were not sufficient to ensure that subawards were reported no later than the end of the month following the month of issuance. Effect: Subawards were not submitted timely in accordance with FFATA reporting requirements. Questioned costs: None. Recommendation: We recommend the City strengthen procedures and internal controls to ensure that all required subawards are reported timely and accurately no later than the end of the month following the month of issuance of each subaward. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the finding.
Reference Number: Prior Year Finding: 2025-008 N/A Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Program: Community Development Block Grants/Entitlement Grants Assistance Listing Number: 14.218 Award Number and Year: B-24-MC-33-0001 (7/1/2024-6/30/2025) Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions – Environmental Reviews Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: The environmental review process consists of all the actions that a responsible entity must take to determine compliance with this part. The environmental review process includes all the compliance actions needed for other activities and projects that are not assisted by HUD but are aggregated by the responsible entity in accordance with § 58.32. (24 CFR 58.30) The responsible entity must maintain a written record of the environmental review undertaken under this part for each project. This document will be designated the “Environmental Review Record” (ERR) and shall be available for public review. The ERR must contain all environmental review documents, public notices, written determinations or environmental findings required by this part as evidence of review, decision-making, and actions pertaining to the project. The ERR must describe the project and related activities, evaluate the effects of the project or activities on the human environment, document compliance with applicable statutes and authorities, including those cited in §§ 58.5 and 58.6, and record the written determinations and other review findings required by this part. The ERR must also contain verifiable source documents and relevant base data used or cited in environmental assessments, environmental impact statements, or other project review documents. (24 CFR 58.38) Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The City of Manchester, New Hampshire (City) did not maintain documentation evidencing that environmental reviews were conducted for all applicable projects. Context: For one of eight projects selected for testing, the environmental review worksheet documenting that an environmental review had been conducted was not available. As such, the auditor was unable to determine if the environmental review had been performed by the City. CITY OF MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 (21) Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) Cause: The City’s procedures and controls were not sufficient to ensure that environmental review certifications were prepared and retained as part of the environmental review process. Effect: The City was unable to ensure that the required review was performed, documented and approved prior to the expenditure of federal funds. Questioned costs: Unable to determine. Recommendation: We recommend the City strengthen procedures and internal controls to ensure that environmental review certifications are prepared and retained, evidencing that the environmental reviews were completed. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the finding.
Reference Number: Prior Year Finding: 2025-009 N/A Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Program: Airport Improvement Program, Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act Programs, and COVID-19 Airports Programs Assistance Listing Number: 20.106 Award Number and Year: 3-33-0011-124-2021, 2021 3-33-0011-137-2022, 2022 3-33-0011-138-2022, 2022 3-33-0011-139-2022, 2022 3-33-0011-140-2023, 2023 3-33-0011-142-2023, 2023 3-33-0011-143-2024, 2024 3-33-0011-134-2025, 2025 3-33-0011-144-2025, 2025 3-33-0011-146-2025, 2025 3-33-0011-147-2025, 2025 Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: A physical inventory of the property must be conducted, and the results must be reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (2 CFR 200.313(d)(2)). Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The City performed an annual physical inventory of equipment acquired under the Federal program; however, the annual physical inventory was incomplete. Context: During testing, we selected a sample of five assets from the federal financial records which document equipment acquired under the Federal program. One of five assets selected for testing from the federal financial records was not included in the annual inventory list. Cause: The City's procedures and controls were not sufficient to ensure that all equipment acquired under the Federal program was accurately recorded and included in the annual inventory list and reconciled to the results of the physical inventory. CITY OF MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 (23) Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) Effect: The equipment records may not be complete or accurately reflect the existence, location, or condition of all assets acquired under the Federal program, and the City may not timely identify missing, obsolete, or improperly recorded equipment. Questioned costs: None. Recommendation: We recommend the City strengthen procedures and internal controls to ensure that all equipment acquired under the Federal program is accurately recorded and included in the annual inventory list, and that the annual physical inventory is reconciled to the equipment records. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the finding.
Reference Number: Prior Year Finding: 2025-010 2024-005 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Program: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Number and Year: ARP17SL1 (5/23/2021 - 12/31/2026) Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance, Material Noncompliance Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: Audit documentation must be made available upon request to the cognizant or oversight agency for audit or its designee, cognizant agency for indirect cost, a Federal agency, or GAO at the completion of the audit, as part of a quality review, to resolve audit findings, or to carry out oversight responsibilities consistent with the purposes of this part. Access to audit documentation includes the right of Federal agencies to obtain copies of audit documentation as is reasonable and necessary. (2 CFR 200.517(b)) Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The City could not provide complete procurement and contract documentation timely for audit review. Context: For two of eight contracts selected for testing, the City did not provide contract files or related procurement documentation, including the executed contract, procurement method, vendor selection support, or other documentation evidencing compliance with applicable procurement requirements. Cause: The City’s policies and procedures were not sufficient to ensure procurement and contract documentation related to Federal awards was centrally retained, complete, and readily available for audit. In addition, the City’s document retention and monitoring controls did not ensure that contract files contained all required supporting documentation prior to or during the audit period. CITY OF MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 (25) Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) Effect: Since the City was unable to provide complete procurement and contract documentation, auditors could not verify whether the selected procurements complied with applicable Federal procurement requirements or whether the City maintained sufficient documentation to support the allowability and compliance of the related expenditures. The lack of available documentation increases the risk that procurement transactions may not be properly supported, reviewed, or conducted in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Questioned costs: Unable to determine. Recommendation: We recommend that the City strengthen its internal controls over procurement and contract documentation for Federal awards. Such procedures should require that complete contract files, including executed agreements, procurement method documentation, vendor selection support, approvals, and other required supporting documentation, be retained in a centralized location and reviewed for completeness. The City should also establish monitoring procedures to ensure documentation is maintained in accordance with Federal requirements and is available timely for audit or other oversight review. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the finding.
Reference Number: Prior Year Finding: 2025-011 N/A Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Program: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Number and Year: ARP17SL1 (5/23/2021 - 12/31/2026) Compliance Requirement: Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: Audit documentation must be made available upon request to the cognizant or oversight agency for audit or its designee, cognizant agency for indirect cost, a Federal agency, or GAO at the completion of the audit, as part of a quality review, to resolve audit findings, or to carry out oversight responsibilities consistent with the purposes of this part. Access to audit documentation includes the right of Federal agencies to obtain copies of audit documentation as is reasonable and necessary. (2 CFR 200.517(b)) Recipients and subrecipients are subject to the nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, as well as 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict making Federal awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from receiving or participating in Federal awards (2 CFR 200.214). Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The City could not provide complete documentation to evidence the City ensured contractors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into the contract. Context: Two of eight contracts selected for testing were not available for review. No contract information was provided for these agreements and therefore no support related to ensuring that a contractor was not suspended or debarred was available. In addition, for an additional three of eight contracts selected for testing, documentation did not contain the necessary suspension and debarment certifications or review checks. CITY OF MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 (27) Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) Cause: The City’s policies, procedures, and internal controls were not sufficient to ensure that contract files included or retained documentation supporting suspension and debarment verification checks. Effect: Without complete contract files and documented suspension and debarment verification, the City could not demonstrate compliance with Federal requirements. This increases the risk that Federal funds could be used in transactions with contractors that are suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in Federal awards. Questioned costs: None. Recommendation: We recommend that the City strengthen its written policies, procedures, and internal controls to require suspension and debarment verifications before entering into Federally funded contracts and that verification be readily available for audit. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the finding.
Reference Number: Prior Year Finding: 2025-012 N/A Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Program: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Number and Year: ARP17SL1(5/23/2021 - 12/31/2026) Compliance Requirement: Reporting Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: Non-federal entities are required to submit Financial and Performance Measure Reports in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Recipients of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds are required to submit complete and accurate Project and Expenditure Reports in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Federal award and applicable U.S. Department of the Treasury reporting guidance. Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The City did not retain sufficient point-in-time documentation to support amounts reported in the quarterly Project and Expenditure Reports. As a result, certain cumulative expenditure amounts reported to the U.S. Department of the Treasury could not be reconciled to the underlying Expenditure and Obligation data maintained by the City at the time the reports were prepared and submitted. Context: Two of four quarterly reports were selected for testing. For two of the two quarterly reports selected, seven project line items could not be tied to underlying Expenditure and Obligation data supporting the cumulative expenditure amounts reported. Because the City did not maintain a point-in-time reporting support package or other documentation showing how the reported amounts were derived, management was unable to provide sufficient audit evidence to support the accuracy and completeness of those reported line items. Cause: The City’s policies and procedures were not designed or operating effectively to ensure that quarterly reporting amounts were supported by retained documentation that agreed to the City’s underlying accounting records. In addition, the City did not maintain a formal review and reconciliation process requiring personnel to preserve the source reports, reconciliations, and approvals used to support cumulative expenditure line items prior to report submission. CITY OF MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 (29) Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) Effect: The City was unable to demonstrate compliance with the Reporting requirement for the selected quarterly reports. Without retained support that ties reported cumulative expenditures to the underlying records, there is an increased risk that amounts reported to the U.S. Department of the Treasury may be inaccurate, incomplete, or not supported by sufficient audit evidence. Questioned costs: None. Recommendation: We recommend that the City strengthen its internal controls over Federal Financial reporting by developing and implementing written procedures requiring all cumulative expenditure line items reported in the Project and Expenditure Reports to be reconciled to underlying accounting records prior to submission. The procedures should also require retention of a point-in-time support package for each report, including the source reports, reconciliations, explanations for adjustments, evidence of supervisory review, and documentation of report certification. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the finding.
Reference Number: Prior Year Finding: 2025-013 N/A Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Program: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Number and Year: ARP17SL1(5/23/2021 - 12/31/2026) Compliance Requirement: Subrecipient Monitoring Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Compliance: Pass-through entities should verify that subrecipients expected to be audited as required by 2CFR Part 200, Subpart F, met this requirement (2CFR section 200.322(f). The pass-through entity should also ensure that the subrecipient takes timely and appropriate correction action on deficiencies detected through audits. These reviews should be documented. Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should comply with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The City did not retain evidence that subrecipient single audit reports were reviewed as required. Context: Two of five subrecipients selected for testing were required to submit Single Audit Reports to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. The City could not provide evidence that these reports were obtained and reviewed as part of the subrecipient monitoring process. Cause: The City’s policies and procedures were not sufficient to ensure that subrecipient single audit report reviews were documented and retained. The City did not have a formalized process to track which subrecipients were subject to single audit requirements, document the review of submitted reports, and maintain evidence that any required follow-up on subrecipient single audit finding or matters impacting the federal awards were made. CITY OF MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 (31) Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) Effect: The City was not in compliance with Subrecipient Monitoring related requirements and did not have sufficient documentation to demonstrate that it evaluated relevant subrecipient audit results when assessing subrecipient risk and determining the appropriate level of monitoring. Without evidence of the reviews, there is an increased risk that subrecipient audit findings, questioned costs, or other matters affecting the Federal program may not be identified, evaluated, or addressed timely. Questioned costs: None. Recommendation: We recommend that the City strengthen internal controls and procedures to ensure that all subrecipient monitoring checks are performed and documented. Such procedures should include identifying subrecipients subject to Single Audit requirements, obtaining and reviewing applicable Single Audit Reports, documenting the results of the review, retaining evidence of the review, and tracking any required follow-up or corrective action related to findings impacting the Federal award. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the finding
Compliance Requirement L. Reporting Finding Type Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance Federal Agency U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Program Title Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number 21.027 Criteria or Specific Requirement: L. Reporting - 2 CFR section 200.303 of the Uniform Guidance requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal control over the federal awards 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 awards. The program requires submission of quarterly reports to the pass-through grantor by the 20th day of the month following the end of the quarter. Condition: During the audit, it was noted that the Organization did submit the quarterly reports in timely fashion. However, the Organization was unable to provide formal support for the internal review of the required reports under the major program before they were submitted to the pass-through grantor. Cause: The Organization lacks established procedures which provide formal evidence that the accuracy and completeness of required reports were verified before submission. Effect or Potential Effect: Without formal review controls in place, the Organization is more susceptible to reporting errors and/or noncompliance with federal requirements. Questioned costs: None Identification as a Repeat Finding: N/A - this was not reported as a finding in the prior audit report. Context: Of the four (4) quarterly reports tested, none contained formal support that an internal review took place prior to submission to the pass-through grantor. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization implement a formal process for verifying the accuracy and completeness of required reports before submission. Views of Responsible Officials: The Organization disagrees with this audit finding.
Reference Number: 2025 – 001 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Child Nutrition Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Pass-through Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Education Pass-through Entity Number: N/A Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 241PA305N1199, 251PA305N1199 Award Period: 07/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: Internal Control: Per 2 CFR section 200.303(a), a non-Federal entity must: Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should 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 District was unable to provide evidence of independent review and approval for three of three reporting samples tested. Questioned Costs: None Context: The District did not properly review and approve three of three SNP Claim for Reimbursement Summary reports. Section III – Findings and Questioned Costs – Major Federal Programs (Continued) Cause: The District did not have internal controls established to ensure proper review and approval of the SNP Claim for Reimbursement Summary report. Effect: There is a risk that meals submitted for reimbursement were overstated or understated. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend that the District implement procedures to ensure that SNP Claim for Reimbursement Summary reports are independently reviewed and approved prior to submission to Program Electronic Application and Reimbursement System (PEARS). This review should be performed by an individual who is not involved in the preparation of the reports and evidence of the review should be documented.
Finding 2025-004 – Various Federal Programs: Cash Management – Excess Federal Cash, Untimely Reconciliations (Material Weakness): Information on the federal program – Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), (Title III), FAL No. 84.031B, June 30, 2025; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) (FUTURE ACT), FAL No. 84.031E, June 30, 2025; Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP), FAL No. 84.120A, June 30, 2025; Science Consortium of Minority Schools, FAL No. 84.120A, June 30, 2025; Empowerment of Undergraduate STEM Majors through Scholarships and Strengthening STEM Identity, FAL No. 47.076, June 30, 2025; Tennessee Louis Stokes (TSLAMP), FAL No. 47.076, June 30, 2025. Criteria – 2 CFR §200.303 requires non-Federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards. 2 CFR §200.305(b) requires that payments be limited to the minimum amounts needed and timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the non-Federal entity. 2 CFR §200.308 requires that expenditures remain within approved budget limits unless prior approvals are obtained. Condition – At June 30, 2025, the College maintained excess federal cash balances across multiple federal programs, indicating that cash drawdowns and/or payable balances were not aligned with immediate cash needs for allowable program expenditures. These balances represented federal funds drawn or recorded as payable to federal agencies that were not supported by actual and immediate allowable program expenditures at year-end. The following table summarizes excess federal cash balances identified by program as of June 30, 2025: "Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program" 120,031 "Science Consortium of Minority Schools" 169,907 "NSF - Empowerment of Undergraduate STEM Majors" 94,801 "NSF - Tennessee Louis Stokes TSLAMP" 54,834 "Title 111" 455,679 "FUTURE" 188,215 "Total Identified Excess Cash" "$ 1,083,467" Condition – (Continued) The College did not adequately reconcile federal cash activity to underlying grant expenditures on a timely basis and did not ensure that drawdowns were limited to amounts necessary to meet immediate cash needs. In addition, the College lacked effective monitoring controls to identify and resolve excess cash positions across federal programs in a timely manner. Federal bank reconciliations were untimely and error-prone. Corrections occurred only after auditor inquiry. Federal accounts also earned excess interest. Cause – The College lacked sufficient policies, procedures, and supervisory review controls to ensure that federal cash drawdowns were based on actual expenditures, that federal cash and grant reconciliations were prepared timely and accurately. Additionally, monitoring controls over cash balances, interest tracking and remittance were not effectively designed or implemented across federal programs. Effect – The lack of effective controls over federal cash management resulted in excess cash being maintained beyond immediate program needs. These conditions increase the risk of noncompliance with federal requirements, including potential return of excess cash or disallowed costs, and increase the risk of material misstatement of federal expenditures and cash balances. Questioned Costs – $1,083,467 Repeat Finding – No Auditor’s Perspective – From a compliance perspective, maintaining excess federal cash balances indicates that the College’s internal control over compliance did not operate effectively during the audit period. The condition demonstrates that drawdowns were not consistently based on actual incurred costs and that monitoring over federal cash was not functioning as designed. Given the pervasiveness of these conditions across multiple programs, this represents a systemic control deficiency. In accordance with 2 CFR §200.303 and auditing standards, this condition constitutes a material weakness in internal control over compliance. Auditor’s Recommendation – We recommend that the College strengthen controls over federal cash management and budget monitoring by implementing procedures to ensure that drawdowns are based on actual allowable expenditures and limited to immediate cash needs. Management should establish and enforce timely grant and federal bank reconciliation processes, monitor interest earnings and federal cash balances, and implement supervisory review controls to ensure compliance with federal requirements across all programs. Views of Responsible Officials – The College requests drawdowns for Title III and FUTURE programs on a reimbursable basis, including review and approval procedures. Of the total amount identified for the Title III program, a $181,433 receivable related to FY2025. The balance related to prior year(s) activity. The College will review its Federal program cost allocation procedures to ensure all eligible costs are properly identified and supported. The College has engaged two accounting firms to assist with staff training and bring all reconciliations current. In addition, standard month-end and year-end closing procedures will be implemented to address timely, accurate Federal program reconciliations and audit readiness going forward. The College experienced significant staff turnover within the business office. In addition, the College is undergoing conversion to a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system which affected its ability to complete some functions within a timely manner.
Program: HOME Investment Partnerships Program Federal Financial Assistance Listing Number: 14.239 Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Award Number and Year: M16-MC060227; M17-MC060227; M20-MC060227; M21-MC060227; M23-MC060227; M24-MC060227 Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions – Wage Rate Requirements Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Non-Compliance Criteria: All laborers and mechanics employed by contractors or subcontractors to work on construction contracts in excess of $2,000 financed by federal assistance funds must be paid wages not less than those established for the locality of the project (prevailing wage rates) by the Department of Labor (DOL) 40 USC 3141–3144, 3146, and 3147. Nonfederal entities shall include in their construction contracts subject to the Wage Rate Requirements a provision that the contractor or subcontractor comply with those requirements and the DOL regulations (29 CFR Part 5, Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contacts Governing Federally Financed and Assisted Construction). This includes a requirement for the contractor or subcontractor to submit to the nonfederal entity weekly, for each week in which any contract work is performed, a copy of the payroll and a statement of compliance (certified payrolls) (29 CFR sections 5.5 and 5.6; the A-102 Common Rule (section 36(i)(5)); OMB Circular A-110 (2 CFR Part 215, Appendix A, Contract Provisions); 2 CFR Part 176, Subpart C; and 2 CFR section 200.326. 2 CFR 200.303, the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. This includes internal controls over maintaining records of the receipt and review of certified payrolls. Condition: During our audit procedures, we noted that the City was unable to provide a schedule of weeks of performance for construction projects active during fiscal year 2025. As a result, we were unable to determine the applicable periods subject to Davis-Bacon requirements. Additionally, the City was unable to provide certified payroll reports for the project selected for testing. As such, we were unable to verify that contractors complied with applicable prevailing wage rate requirements. Cause: The City has not established and implemented adequate procedures to track construction project activity and maintain required documentation, including certified payroll reports, to support compliance with Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements. Effect: The lack of documentation and monitoring procedures increases the risk that contractors may not comply with prevailing wage requirements and that noncompliance would not be identified or corrected in a timely manner. Additionally, the absence of sufficient audit evidence resulted in a scope limitation over compliance with wage rate requirements. Questioned Costs: None identified. However, due to the lack of supporting documentation, we were unable to determine whether questioned costs may exist. Context/Sampling: Our procedures included selecting one construction project subject to Davis-Bacon requirements for testing. We requested supporting documentation, including a schedule of weeks of performance and certified payroll reports. However, the City was unable to provide the requested documentation. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: The City should implement formal written policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements. This should include maintaining a complete schedule of construction project activity, obtaining and retaining certified payroll reports, and performing documented reviews to verify compliance with prevailing wage requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees. See separately issued Corrective Action Plan.
Program: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds / HOME Investment Partnership Program Federal Financial Assistance Listing Number.: 21.027 / 14.239 Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of the Treasury / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Award Number and Year: Affects all grant awards included under assistance listing 14.239 and 21.027 on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards. Compliance Requirement: Other – Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) §200.510(b) - Schedule of Expenditures of Federal awards Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) §200.510(b) states that the auditee (the City) must prepare a Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for the period covered by the auditee’s financial statements, which must include the total federal awards expended as determined in accordance with §200.502. §200.331 of the Uniform Guidance states the City is responsible for making case-by-case determinations to determine whether the entity receiving the Federal funds is a subrecipient. In addition, §200.303 of the Uniform Guidance states that the City must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal awards, including controls over the accuracy of program information and expenditure amounts. Condition: During our audit procedures performed over the SEFA we noted the following: • The City did not properly identify the amount expended for the COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, AL No. 21.027. The expenditures reported by the City were understated by $176,324. • The City did not properly identify the amount of Federal funding passed through to subrecipients for the COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, AL No. 21.027. The amount passed through to subrecipients reported by the City was understated by $418,183. • The City did not properly identify the amount of Federal funding passed through to subrecipients for the Home Investment Partnerships Program, AL No. 14.239. The amount passed through to subrecipients reported by the City was overstated by $2,591,181. Cause: As a result, the City lacked adequate internal controls to ensure the SEFA is completely and accurately stated. Specifically, the City’s processes for recording and tracking expenditures of Federal awards are not designed so that expenditures are identified when incurred. In addition, the City’s processes for identifying and reporting subrecipients are not designed to ensure appropriate reporting on the SEFA. Effect: Adjustments to the SEFA were required. Questioned Costs: No questioned costs were identified as a result of our procedures. Context/Sampling: No sampling was used. Program expenditures and amounts passed through to subrecipients were reconciled to the supporting records. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: The City, including all its reporting departments, should follow existing policies, procedures and internal controls to ensure all expenditures and amounts passed through to subrecipients are accurately tracked and reported on the SEFA. Personnel knowledgeable of federal expenditures should review amounts coded to federal programs for completeness and accuracy. The SEFA should be prepared and reviewed in a timely manner and reconciled to underlying records as well as the basic financial statements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: See separate corrective action plan.
Program: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Financial Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of the Treasury Award Number and Year: 2021 Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Non-Compliance Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Internal Controls, states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Title 2 CFR Section 200.214 of the Uniform Guidance states that the City must comply with 2 CFR part 180, which implements Executive Orders 12549 and 12689. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Per 2 CFR Section 180.300, 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. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov/SAM/, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity. 2 CFR 200.327 Contract provisions. The recipient's or subrecipient's contracts must contain the applicable provisions described in Appendix II to Part 200—Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards. Condition: During our testing of the City’s provisions for procurement requirements, we noted the following: • For seven (7) out of seven (7) contracts selected for testing, the City did not include the applicable provisions described in 2 CFR 200 Appendix II. • For seven (7) out of seven (7) contracts tested, we noted that there was no evidence that the City verified that the contracted entities were not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in federal programs prior to entering the contract. Cause: The City did not follow their policy to verify the information described in the conditions prior to entering the transactions. The City’s policy does not include the requirement to include each of the applicable provisions identified in 2 CFR 200 Appendix II in its contracts or purchase orders. Effect: Failure to implement and maintain a proper control process could result in payments to vendors that are suspended or debarred or improper awarding of contracts under the procurement guidance. Questioned Costs: No questioned costs were identified as a result of our procedures. Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of seven (7) out of fifteen (15) procurement contracts were tested. This represented a total of $23,361,562 in contracted services under the grant. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: We recommend the City strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure that the verification of the debarment and suspension is documented and retained and that contracts include all applicable provisions of 2 CFR 200 Appendix II. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees. See separately issued Corrective Action Plan.
Program: COVID-19 - Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Financial Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Grantor: U.S. Department of the Treasury Award Number and Year: 2021 Compliance Requirement: Subrecipient Monitoring Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance and Material Non-Compliance Criteria: In accordance with Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200.332, pass-through entities must comply with the following: • 2 CFR Part 200.332(a), Requirements for Pass-Through Entities, states that all passthrough entities must ensure that every subaward is clearly identified to the subrecipient as a subaward and includes certain information as well as all the requirements imposed by the pass-through entity on the subrecipient so that the Federal award is used in accordance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. • 2 CFR 200.332(b) – Evaluate each subrecipient’s risk of noncompliance for purposes of determining the appropriate subrecipient monitoring related to the subaward. This evaluation of risk may include consideration of such factors listed in 2 CFR 200.332(b)(1) through (4). • 2 CFR 200.332(d)- Monitor the activities of the subrecipient as necessary to ensure that the subaward is used for authorized purposes, in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward; and that subaward performance goals are achieved. Pass-through entity monitoring of the subrecipient must include the information at 2 CFR 200.332(d)(1) through (4). • 2 CFR 200.332(f) – Verify that every subrecipient is audited as required by Subpart F of this part when it is expected that the subrecipient’s Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in 200.501. • 2 CFR section 200.303(a), Internal Controls, states that the non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition: We noted for three (3) of three (3) subrecipients selected for testwork, the City did not perform any of the required subrecipient monitoring procedures as required under 2 CFR 200.332 (a. through i.). As a result, we were unable to perform audit procedures over Subrecipient Monitoring compliance requirements. Cause: The City did not have adequate policies and procedures in place to monitor subrecipient in accordance with 2 CFR 200.332. Effect: The City did not have procedures in place requiring compliance with the Subrecipient Monitoring requirements in 2 CFR 200.332 and as such did not comply with subrecipient monitoring requirements related to the program. Questioned Costs: No questioned costs were identified as a result of our procedures. Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of three (3) of three (3) subrecipients were sampled. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: No. Recommendation: The City should implement policies and procedures to ensure that subrecipients are properly identified at the time of award and accurately reported on the SEFA. Additionally, the City should establish and perform ongoing subrecipient monitoring procedures in accordance with Federal requirements, including risk assessments and documentation of monitoring activities. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees. See separately issued Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING 2025-004 – Material Weakness in Internal Controls over Compliance Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program: Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Assistance Listing Number: 93.870 Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed / Allowable Costs / Procurement and Suspension and Debarment / Reporting Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Compliance Criteria The Uniform Guidance requires non-federal entities receiving federal awards to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Under 2 CFR § 200.303, the auditee is required to establish and maintain effective internal controls over federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that the auditee is managing the award in compliance with applicable requirements. In addition, 2 CFR § 200.516 requires the auditor to report significant deficiencies and/or material weaknesses in internal control over major programs as audit findings in the schedule of findings and questioned costs. Condition During our audit of the federal program identified above, we noted that internal controls over compliance were not designed and/or operating effectively to allow the auditor to rely on those controls for purposes of performing the Single Audit. Specifically, management was unable to provide sufficient evidence that key controls over activities allowed or unallowed, allowable costs, procurement and suspension and debarment, and reporting existed or were consistently performed, reviewed, and documented. Examples noted included the following: • Approval and review controls were not consistently documented. • Supporting documentation was not consistently retained to demonstrate compliance with program requirements. • Control activities were performed informally and were not supported by evidence of review. • Duties related to preparation, approval, and review of compliance information were not adequately segregated. • Management’s monitoring of compliance activities was not sufficiently documented. As a result, we were unable to rely on internal controls over compliance and performed additional substantive procedures to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the entity’s compliance with the applicable federal program requirements. Cause The condition appears to have resulted from insufficient formalization and documentation of internal control procedures over federal program compliance. While certain review or approval procedures may have been performed, the entity did not maintain adequate documentation to demonstrate that those controls were performed timely, consistently, and by appropriate personnel. In addition, the entity experienced significant turn over in external bookkeeping firms and management during the fiscal year. Additionally, they undertook an accounting software transition that resulted in significant delays in timely recording of accounting transactions and monitoring of controls. Effect or Potential Effect When internal controls over compliance are not adequately designed, implemented, or documented, there is an increased risk that noncompliance with federal statutes, regulations, or award terms and conditions could occur and not be prevented, detected, or corrected in a timely manner. Although our substantive audit procedures did not identify material noncompliance with the applicable compliance requirements, the lack of effective and documented internal controls limited the auditor’s ability to rely on those controls and increased the risk of errors or noncompliance related to the federal program. Questioned Costs None noted Context The federal program identified above was audited as a major program for the year ended June 30, 2025. During our audit procedures, we selected samples related to payroll disbursements, direct grant expenditures, and reporting for grant reimbursements and evaluated whether internal controls over compliance were designed and operating effectively. Based on the procedures performed, we determined that the entity did not maintain sufficient evidence of control performance to support reliance on internal controls over compliance for the applicable compliance requirement. Repeat Finding This is not a repeat finding. Sampling Method Not applicable Recommendation We recommend that management strengthen its internal controls over federal program compliance by implementing formal written procedures that identify the specific controls to be performed, the personnel responsible for performing and reviewing those controls, and the documentation required to evidence control performance. At a minimum, management should: • Develop written policies and procedures for each applicable compliance requirement. • Identify key controls over compliance and assign responsibility for performance and review. • Maintain documentation evidencing review, approval, and monitoring activities. • Provide training to program and finance personnel regarding federal compliance requirements and Single Audit documentation expectations. • Periodically monitor compliance activities to ensure controls are operating as designed. • Design controls that limit the risk of management override.
Statement of Condition During the year ended June 30, 2025, the Project did not make all of the required monthly deposits to the replacement reserve. The Project is required to make monthly deposits of $1,915, or $22,980 annually. During the year ended June 30, 2025, the Project deposited $20,064 to the replacement reserve. Therefore, the replacement reserve was underfunded by $2,916 for the year ended June 30, 2025. Criteria The Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract between Sunrise Residential, Inc. and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that a monthly deposit of $1,915 be made to the replacement reserve account to ensure funds are available for the replacement of capital items. In addition, 2 CFR 200.303 requires non-federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal controls over federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Adequate funding of the replacement reserve is necessary to comply with the terms of the HAP contract and to ensure the long-term physical and financial viability of the property. Cause The underfunding of the replacement reserve account resulted from a breakdown in the automatic monthly transfer process between the operating cash account and the replacement reserve account. When the required monthly replacement reserve deposit amount was subsequently revised per the terms of the (HAP) contract, the automatic transfer instructions were not updated to reflect the correct deposit amount. As a result, the automatic transfer continued to move funds based on an outdated deposit amount rather than the amount currently required under the HAP contract. This discrepancy went undetected because there was no compensating control in place to periodically reconcile the automatic transfer amount to the deposit requirement stipulated in the HAP contract, allowing the underfunding to continue and accumulate over multiple reporting periods before being identified. Effect As a result of the underfunded replacement reserve, the property may not have sufficient funds available to cover the cost of major capital replacements as they become necessary, which could jeopardize the physical condition of the property and its ability to continue providing safe and decent housing. Continued underfunding increases the risk of deferred maintenance, unbudgeted special assessments, or the need for additional financing, and represents noncompliance with the terms of the HAP contract, which could result in findings by HUD, required corrective action, or in severe cases, administrative sanctions. Questioned Costs None noted. Perspective This audit finding is systematic. Statistical Sample A statistical sample is not applicable to this finding. Repeat Finding This audit finding is a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that management immediately revise the automatic monthly transfer instructions between the operating cash account and the replacement reserve account to reflect the current monthly deposit amount required under the HAP contract. Management should also calculate the cumulative shortfall between required and actual deposits and make a catch-up deposit, or establish a repayment plan approved by HUD or the Contract Administrator, to restore the replacement reserve to the required funding level. In addition, management should implement a periodic reconciliation control, performed no less than quarterly, in which the automatic transfer amount is compared to the current deposit requirement stipulated in the HAP contract, so that any future changes to the required deposit amount are identified and reflected in the transfer instructions on a timely basis. Finally, management should designate a responsible individual to review and approve any changes to HAP contract terms, including replacement reserve deposit requirements, and to confirm that corresponding updates are made to the related banking and transfer instructions. Auditor Noncompliance Code N – Reserve for replacements deposits View of Responsible Officials Management concurs with the findings and will review internal control policies to ensure monthly replacement reserve deposits are made in accordance with the terms of the HAP contract.
2025-002 —Commingling of Federal Award Funds in the General Ledger Type of Finding: Material weakness in internal control over compliance Federal Program and Specific Federal Award Information All federal grant awards are affected by this finding. Criteria Under 2 CFR 200.302(b)(1), a non-federal entity is required to identify in its accounts all federal awards received and expended and the federal programs under which they were received. Under 2 CFR 200.303, the auditee must establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the federal awards are managed in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards. Condition During our audit we noted that federal award receipts and expenditures for all federal programs were not separately identified in the general ledger. As a result, federal award transactions were commingled in the accounting records and could not be readily traced, accumulated, or reconciled by individual federal award without additional manual analysis outside the general ledger. The condition resulted a material weakness in internal control over compliance, because controls were not designed and/or operating effectively to ensure federal award activity was identified and tracked in the accounting records at the level required by Uniform Guidance. Cause The Organization did not have adequate internal controls, policies, and procedures in place to ensure that all federal awards were separately identified, tracked, and reported in the general ledger in accordance with Uniform Guidance requirements. Specifically: • The Organization had not designed its chart of accounts to separately identify federal award receipts and expenditures by program, award number, award year, funding source, and Assistance Listing number. • Policies and procedures did not require federal award transactions to be coded at the grant or award level when recorded in the general ledger. • Personnel in the finance department are relatively new to the Organization and federal award guidelines related to the structure of the general ledger was not an area for which new personnel have received training. Effect Because federal award funds were commingled in the general ledger, the Organization did not maintain accounting records that readily identified federal awards received and expended by program and award. This increases the risk that: • Federal expenditures may be charged to the incorrect program, award, period, or funding source; • Unallowable or unsupported costs may be charged to federal awards and not detected timely, including increasing the potential to duplicate expenses charged to federal awards; • The schedule of expenditures of federal awards may be incomplete, inaccurate, or not properly reconciled to the accounting records; and • Financial and programmatic reports submitted to the federal agency or pass-through entity may be inaccurate. Questioned Costs No questioned costs were identified as a result of this finding. However, the commingling of federal award activity in the general ledger creates a risk that questioned costs could exist but not be detected without additional analysis. Recommendation We recommend that the Organization strengthen internal controls over federal award accounting and compliance by implementing procedures to ensure federal award activity is separately identified in the accounting records. Such procedures should include, at a minimum: 1. Chart of accounts / project coding — Establish separate general ledger accounts, fund codes, project codes, grant codes, or other accounting identifiers for each federal program and award, including Assistance Listing number, award number, award year, federal agency, and pass-through entity, as applicable. 2. Transaction-level coding — Require all federal receipts and expenditures to be coded to the appropriate federal program and award at the time transactions are recorded in the general ledger. 3. Invoicing for federal grant programs should be generated directly from the general ledger after all expenses for the period are coded and entered. 4. Written policies and procedures — Develop and implement written grant accounting policies that define roles, responsibilities, required coding fields, review procedures, and reconciliation requirements. 5. Training — Provide training to accounting and program personnel responsible for identifying federal awards, recording, approving, and monitoring federal award transactions. Views of Responsible Officials / Management Response Management agrees with the finding. Corrective actions are currently being implemented to strengthen internal controls over federal award accounting and compliance and to ensure federal award activity is separately identified and tracked in the general ledger. (See separately issued corrective action plan.)
Federal Program: ALN 93.575 Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Category: Compliance Compliance requirements: Allowable Costs / Cost Principles Record retention Condition: BGCPR did not maintain sufficient documentation to demonstrate compliance with minimum personnel qualification requirements. Criteria: Pursuant to 2 CFR §200.430(a)(2), costs of compensation are allowed only to the extent that the total compensation for individual employees follows an appointment made in accordance with the recipient's or subrecipient's laws, rules, or written policies Additionally, 2 CFR §200.303(a) requires recipients and subrecipients to establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance of compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Further, 2 CFR §200.403(g) requires costs charged to Federal awards to be adequately documented. Moreover, pursuant to 2 CFR §200.334, recipients and subrecipients must retain all Federal award records, including financial records, supporting documentation, and statistical records, for a minimum of three years from the date of submission of the final financial report. If litigation, claims, or audit findings are initiated before the expiration of the retention period, the records must be retained until all such matters are resolved and final action has been taken. Context: During testing of four payroll-related transactions selected for Allowable Activities and Allowable Costs compliance testing, we noted that one sampled employee did not meet the minimum educational and experience qualifications established for the position. Cause: For one payroll-related item, the personnel file did not contain documentation demonstrating that the employee met the minimum educational and experience qualifications established for the position. The employee did not possess the required bachelor's degree at the time of promotion. Although management subsequently provided an undated narrative explaining the basis for the hiring decision, no supporting documentation evidencing an approved exception at the time of promotion was maintained in the personnel file. Questioned cost: Amount is below the threshold to be considered a questioned cost. Effect or potential effect: As a result, BGCPR could not demonstrate that the employee's appointment was made in accordance with its established hiring requirements. Consequently, compensation costs charged to the Federal award may not be fully supported as allowable. Recommendation: Ensure personnel files contain documentation demonstrating that employees meet the minimum qualifications for their positions and retain evidence of any approved exceptions or waivers supporting hiring or promotion decisions. Views of officials responsible: BGCPR will provide additional training and guidance to Human Resources personnel to ensure consistent adherence to the internal procedures established. Anticipated completion date: September 30, 2026
Federal Program: ALN 93.575 Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Category: Compliance Compliance requirements: Allowable costs Record retention Condition: The BGCPR did not maintain sufficient documentation to demonstrate compliance with employee background check requirements. Criteria: Pursuant to 2 CFR §200.430(a)(2), compensation costs are allowable when appointments are made in accordance with the recipient's written policies and procedures. Further, 2 CFR §200.303(a) requires recipients to establish and maintain effective internal controls to ensure compliance with applicable requirements. Additionally, 2 CFR §200.403(g) requires costs charged to Federal awards to be adequately documented. Moreover, pursuant to 2 CFR §200.334, recipients and subrecipients must retain all Federal award records, including financial records, supporting documentation, and statistical records, for a minimum of three years from the date of submission of the final financial report. If litigation, claims, or audit findings are initiated before the expiration of the retention period, the records must be retained until all such matters are resolved and final action has been taken. Per the BGCPR Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, specifically the Required Certifications and Background Check Policy, all employees and leaders must maintain current required certifications and documentation, including Criminal Record Certificate, Health Certificate, Law 300 Certificate, Educational Credentials, and Fingerprint Verification, and must successfully complete applicable background checks before perform their duties. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in restrictions from performing job responsibilities and may affect continued employment. Context: We found that two (2) of the four (4) sample employees lacked documentation, evidencing compliance with BGCPR's required background check procedures. Cause: For two (2) payroll-related items, the personnel files did not contain evidence demonstrating that required background checks had been completed in accordance with the BGCPR's hiring policies. For one employee, the background check was performed after the employee's recruitment date. For the second employee, the required background check documentation was not available in the personnel file at the time of the audit. Although management subsequently provided the documentation after the exception was identified, the evidence indicated that the background check report was printed in July 2026. Accordingly, the personnel files did not contain sufficient documentation to support compliance with the BGCPR's background check requirements during the audited period. Questioned cost: Amount is below the threshold to be considered a questioned cost. Effect or potential effect: As a result, BGCPR could not demonstrate that the employees were hired in accordance with established hiring requirements or that compensation costs charged to the Federal award were supported by adequate documentation. Recommendation: Ensure personnel records are complete, accurate, and maintained in accordance with established policies and procedures Views of officials responsible: BGCPR will provide additional training and guidance to Human Resources personnel to ensure consistent adherence to the internal procedures established. Anticipated completion date: September 30, 2026
Criteria: GLIDE’s award terms for Federal Award No. CE1HS52473 required submission of an annual Federal Financial Report (FFR/SF-425) within 90 calendar days after the end of the budget period. This requirement is consistent with 45 CFR 75.302(a)(2), 75.303, and 75.341 (current 2 CFR 200.302(b)(2), 200.303, and 200.328), which require financial management systems and internal controls sufficient to permit accurate, current, and complete reporting and timely submission of required federal financial reports in accordance with award terms. Condition: For the budget period ended September 29, 2024, the annual FFR was due December 28, 2024. Management submitted the report on January 30, 2025, which was 33 days after the due date Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The exception related to the annual FFR tested for this direct HHS award and indicates that report due dates were not effectively tracked and monitored for timely submission. Cause: Controls over tracking award-specific reporting deadlines, preparing the annual FFR, and ensuring timely management review and submission were not operating effectively. Effect: Late submission of required financial reports constitutes noncompliance with award terms and increases the risk of delayed grantor monitoring, delayed payment processing, or other follow-up by the awarding agency. Recommendation: Establish a reporting calendar by award and budget period, assign responsibility for preparation and review of each FFR, require documented supervisory review before submission, and retain evidence of submission and any approved extensions. Repeat finding: This is not a repeat finding.
2025-004 Improve Compliance and Controls Over Reporting Federal Program Information Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Award Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-Through Entity: Not applicable Award Year: 2021 Compliance Requirement: Reporting Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Criteria or Specific Requirement 2 CFR 200.303(a) requires the auditee to establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal awards to ensure compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions. For SLFRF funds, the Treasury Compliance and Reporting Guidance requires recipients to submit accurate and complete Project and Expenditure Reports (P&E Reports), including both current period and cumulative expenditures. Condition and Context During our testing of SLFRF expenditures reported in the 2025 Project and Expenditure (P&E) Report, we noted that the Town’s underlying accounting records and supporting detail did not agree to the amounts reported to Treasury. Specifically, current period and cumulative expenditures per the general ledger and supporting schedules differed from the amounts reported in the P&E Report. No formal reconciliation was performed or documented between the Town’s accounting records and the submitted federal report prior to submission. Cause The discrepancy was caused by the Town’s lack of a formal control requiring reconciliation and detailed review of SLFRF report data to underlying accounting records before submission. In addition, reporting was prepared using manually compiled schedules outside of the general ledger, increasing the risk of error. Effect or Potential Effect Reporting discrepancies noted above increase the risk of noncompliance with federal reporting requirements. Questioned Costs No questioned costs are reported as this requirement is administrative in nature and costs were ultimately deemed allowable. Identification as a Repeat Finding This is not a repeat of a prior finding. Recommendation The Town should implement a formal reconciliation process requiring agreement of current period and cumulative expenditures to the general ledger prior to submission of reports and retain such documentation. Views of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the Schedule of Prior Year Findings.
Federal Agency: US Deparment of the Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: COVID-19 ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Compliance Requirement: Procurement – Suspension and Debarment Award Period: March 3, 2021 - December 31, 2024, liquidated by December 31, 2026 Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §§200.214 and 200.318) prohibits non‑Federal entities from awarding contracts supported by Federal awards to parties that are suspended or debarred. In addition, 2 CFR §200.303 requires non‑Federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal awards, including documented policies and procedures to ensure consistent compliance with Federal requirements. Verification of vendor eligibility is typically performed through review of the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) or equivalent documentation prior to contract execution. Condition: During our audit, we noted a deficiency related to suspension and debarment verification and documentation. Specifically, for the procurement transactions tested, Worcester County, Maryland did not document verification that the vendor was not suspended or debarred prior to contract execution. In addition, the County does not have a formally documented suspension and debarment policy. While management indicated that suspension and debarment checks may be performed in practice, the absence of written policies and procedures resulted in inconsistent application and documentation of this required compliance procedure. Questioned costs: N/A Context: Uniform Guidance requires non‑federal entities to ensure that vendors and contractors receiving federal funds are not suspended or debarred from participating in federally funded programs. Effective compliance with this requirement is supported by documented policies and procedures that require verification (e.g., review of the System for Award Management (SAM.gov)) prior to entering into contracts. Cause: The County had not formally documented policies and procedures related to suspension and debarment verification and relied on informal practices and staff knowledge. As a result, suspension and debarment checks were not consistently documented or retained prior to contract execution. Effect: Failure to consistently document suspension and debarment verification increases the risk that the County may enter into contracts with vendors that are ineligible to participate in federally funded programs. While no instances of contracting with suspended or debarred vendors were identified and no questioned costs were noted, these conditions represent noncompliance with Federal procurement documentation requirements and reduce the County’s ability to demonstrate consistent adherence to Uniform Guidance. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend that the County develop and formally document a suspension and debarment policy that requires verification and documentation of vendor eligibility (e.g., SAM.gov review) for all contracts supported by Federal awards prior to execution of the contract. Management should also consider implementing standardized checklists or review controls to promote consistent compliance. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management concurs. Worcester County plans to update the County purchasing, financial and grant policies to ensure debarment and suspension compliance by implementing procedures aligned with the U.S. Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance (primarily 2 CFR Part 200) and the governmentwide debarment rules in 2 CFR Part 180, as adopted by the awarding agency. The corrective action includes implementing a written procurement policy which states that the county will not contract with or issue subawards to parties that are suspended or debarred when federal funds are involved. The Grant/Budget Office will maintain open communication with Procurement regarding federally funded grant projects that will be advertised for bid. After bids are received and before the evaluation committee reviews or recommends an award, the Grant/Budget Office will search the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) exclusion database for each vendor that submitted a bid. A PDF or screenshot of the SAM search for each vendor will be retained in a grant and procurement file. All other federal grants under procurement threshold will need county departments to reach out to the Grant/Budget office before choosing vendors. Departments will need to list their potential vendors for the federal grant and email the Grant/Budget office for debarment verification before moving forward with expending federal grant funding. A PDF or screenshot of the SAM search for each vendor will be sent to the department and a copy kept by Grants/Budget office as well.
Finding 2025-005: Inadequate Controls Over Federal Reimbursement Draw Requests - Significant Deficiency Federal Program: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance Assistance Listing Number: 93.243 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Award Identification Numbers: 5H79TI084239-03, 5H79TI084239-04, 5H79TI084739-02, 5H79TI084739-03, 5H79TI082707-05 Award Year: 2024 and 2025 Criteria: Per 2 CFR § 200.305(b), payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds and the disbursement of those funds by the recipient. For reimbursement payment methods, draw requests should be based solely on allowable, allocable, and paid expenditures. Effective internal controls, as required by 2 CFR § 200.303, include supervisory review of supporting documentation to verify the accuracy, completeness, and allowability of expenditures prior to submitting reimbursement requests. Condition: For 10 of 10 reimbursement draw requests tested, Mending Hearts’ did not maintain controls to ensure draw requests were supported by a review of actual expenditures paid prior to submission. Specifically, reimbursement requests were not tied directly to actual expenditures incurred and paid by Mending Hearts. In addition, there was no documented review of supporting invoices, payment documentation, schedules, or other reports to verify that expenditures had been paid with Mending Hearts’ funds before reimbursement was requested. Cause: Management has not established or implemented formal procedures requiring reimbursement requests to be reconciled to paid expenditures and independently reviewed prior to submission. Effect: Without adequate review procedures, Mending Hearts is at increased risk of requesting reimbursement for expenditures that have not yet been paid, are unsupported, or are otherwise unallowable. This increases the risk of noncompliance with federal cash management requirements and may result in questioned costs, repayment of federal funds, or other administrative action. Questioned Costs: None noted. Context: This condition was identified through testing of 10 reimbursement draw requests selected from the population of federal reimbursement requests submitted during the audit period. Exceptions were noted in all 10 items tested. The transactions tested were selected using a nonstatistical sampling approach and were not intended to be statistically representative of the population. Recommendation: We recommend that management implement formal cash management procedures requiring all reimbursement draw requests to be supported by detailed expenditure schedules and documentation demonstrating that expenditures have been paid with Organization funds. Prior to submitting reimbursement requests, an independent review should be performed and documented to verify that all requested amounts are accurate, supported, allowable, and based on actual paid expenditures. Views of Responsible Officials: Management acknowledges this finding and will address remediation in management's corrective action plan.
FA 2025-001 Strengthen Controls over Expenditures Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Number and Title: 84.010 – Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Federal Award Numbers: S010A240010 (Year: 2025), S010A230010 (Year: 2024) Questioned Costs: $127,026 Repeat of Prior Year Findings: FA 2024-001, FA 2023-001, FA 2022-001 Description: The policies and procedures of the School District were insufficient to provide adequate internal controls over expenditures as it related to the Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies program. Background Information: The Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies (Title I) program is authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to help local educational agencies (LEAs) improve teaching and learning in highpoverty schools in particular for children failing or most at-risk of failing, to meet challenging state academic standards. LEAs may operate targeted assistance programs in which children who are failing or most at-risk of failing may be served or schoolwide programs in which all children in eligible schools may be served. Title I funding is granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), and GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. Title I funds totaling $621,294 were expended and reported on the Talbot County Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2025. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 – Internal Controls. Additionally, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.403 – Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs state that “costs must meet the following criteria to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. (c) Be consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally financed and other activities of the recipient or subrecipient… (g) Be adequately documented…” Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.430 – Compensation-Personal Services prescribe standards for documentation of personnel expenses and state, in part, that “(a) …Costs for compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy… specific requirements…, and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the non-Federal entity consistently applied to both Federal and non-Federal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a non-Federal entity’s laws and/or rules or written policies and meets the requirements of Federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in paragraph (i)…, [as follows:] (i) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the non-Federal entity…” Condition: A sample of ten nonpersonal expenditures was randomly selected for testing using a nonstatistical sampling approach. These expenditures were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. The following deficiencies were noted: • For three expenditures, evidence of review and approval was not reflected within the voucher package totaling $3,597. • For one expenditure, the amount recorded on the general ledger did not agree to supporting documentation resulting in a difference of $112. In addition, a sample of eleven employees was randomly selected for testing using a nonstatistical sampling approach. These employees were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements were met. The following deficiencies were noted: • For two employees, supporting documentation could not be provided to support payments totaling $126,674. • For one employee, the amount paid did not agree to the supporting documentation provided and resulted in an overpayment of $240. Questioned Costs: Upon testing a sample of $16,775 in nonpersonal services expenditures, known questioned costs of $112 were identified for expenditures not supported by adequate documentation. Using the total nonpersonal services expenditures population of $101,353, we project the likely questioned costs to be approximately $678. Upon testing a sample of $136,554 in personal services expenditures, known questioned costs of $126,914 were identified for expenditures not supported by adequate documentation. Using the total personal services expenditures population of $356,564, we project the likely questioned costs to be approximately $331,393. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with the School District, they believe that these items are primarily due to improper documentation retention and oversight of approval processes. Effect: The School District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to ensure that expenditures and employee compensation payments associated with the Title I program are made for the appropriate amount and supported by appropriate documentation could result in the expenditure of funds for unallowable purposes. This may also expose the School District to unnecessary financial strains and shortages within the Title I program fund as GaDOE may require the School District to return funds associated with improperly documented expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate their internal control processes regarding the retention of documentation to support expenditures and employee compensation payments. Where vulnerable, the School District should develop and/or modify its policies and procedures to ensure that expenditures are appropriately documented and to ensure that Title I program employees are paid appropriately. Furthermore, management should develop and implement a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are functioning properly. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2025-002 Strengthen Controls over Expenditures Compliance Requirements: Activities Allowed or Unallowed Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Number and Title: COVID-19 – 84.425U – American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Federal Award Number: S425U210012 (Year: 2024) Questioned Costs: $20,040 Repeat of Prior Year Findings: FA 2024-002, FA 2023-002, FA 2022-002 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Program revealed that the School District’s internal control procedures were not operating to ensure that expenditures were appropriately documented to support allowability. Background Information: On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act was designed to mitigate the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, including providing additional funding for local educational agencies (LEAs) navigating the impact of the COVID- 19 outbreak. Provisions included in Title VIII of the CARES Act created the Education Stabilization Fund to provide financial resources to educational entities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. The CARES Act allocated $30.75 billion, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act allocated an additional $81.9 billion, and the American Rescue Plan Act added $165.1 billion in funding to the Education Stabilization Fund. Multiple Education Stabilization Fund subprograms were created and allotted funding through the various COVID-19-related legislation. Of these programs, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund was created to address the impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the nation. ESSER funding was granted to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). GaDOE is responsible for distributing funds to LEAs and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. ESSER funds totaling $1,052,459 were expended and reported on the Talbot County School District’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2025. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 – Internal Controls. Provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.403 – Factors Affecting Allowability of Costs state that “costs must meet the following criteria to be allowable under Federal awards: (a) Be necessary and reasonable for the performance of the Federal award and be allocable thereto under these principles. (b) Conform to any limitations or exclusions set forth in these principles or in the Federal award as to types or amount of cost items. (c) Be consistent with policies and procedures that apply uniformly to both federally financed and other activities of the recipient or subrecipient… (g) Be adequately documented…” Furthermore, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.430 – Compensation–Personal Services prescribe standards for documentation of personnel expenses and state, in part, that “(a) … Costs for compensation are allowable to the extent that they satisfy… specific requirements… and that the total compensation for individual employees: (1) Is reasonable for the services rendered and conforms to the established written policy of the recipient or subrecipient consistently applied to both Federal and non-Federal activities; (2) Follows an appointment made in accordance with a recipient’s or subrecipient’s laws, rules or written policies and meets the requirements of Federal statute, where applicable; and (3) Is determined and supported as provided in paragraph (g)…, [as follows:] (g) Charges to Federal awards for salaries and wages must be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. These records must: (i) Be supported by a system of internal control that provides reasonable assurance that the charges are accurate, allowable, and properly allocated; (ii) Be incorporated into the official records of the recipient or subrecipient…” Condition: All journal entries and general ledger adjustments impacting program expenditures were selected for testing. The following deficiencies were noted: • For one of the four items tested, appropriate evidence of review and approval was not maintained. • Sufficient supporting documentation was not provided for one journal entry posted to reverse expenditure activity. • For one journal entry used to record expenditures totaling $7,046 in the ESSER fund, sufficient supporting documentation could not be provided to determine the allowability of $889 of the expenditures moved to the program. In addition, a sample of eight employees was randomly selected for testing using a nonstatistical sampling approach. These employees were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and applicable compliance requirements met. The following deficiencies were noted: • Evidence of properly designed and implemented controls over personal services expenditures could not be provided. • For seven employees, supporting documentation was not maintained to support salaries totaling $19,151. Questioned Costs: Upon testing a sample of $31,426 in personal services expenditures, known questioned costs of $19,151 were identified for expenditures not supported by adequate documentation. Using the total personal services expenditures population of $121,406, we project the likely questioned costs to be approximately $73,985. In addition, known questioned costs of $889 were identified for expenditures not supported by adequate journal entry documentation and were not tested as part of a sample; therefore, there are no related projected questioned costs. Cause: In discussing these deficiencies with the School District, they believe these issues are due to improper documentation retention and the need for updated policies and procedures. Effect: The School District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to ensure that documentation exists to support the allowability of payments from the ESSER program could result in the expenditure of funds for unallowable purposes. This may also expose the School District to unnecessary financial strains and shortages within the ESSER program fund as GaDOE may require the School District to return funds associated with improperly documented expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate their current internal control processes related to ESSER program expenditures. Where vulnerable, the School District should develop and/or modify its policies and procedures to ensure that all expenditures reflect evidence of review and approval and are supported by appropriate documentation. Furthermore, management should develop and implement a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are functioning properly.
FA 2025-003 Strengthen Controls over Cash Management Compliance Requirement: Cash Management Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Material Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Number and Title: COVID-19 – 84.425U – American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Federal Award Numbers: S425U210012 (Year: 2024) Questioned Costs: $52,211 Description: The School District made cash drawdowns in excess of the immediate cash needs of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program. Background Information: The School District may request Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program funds from the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) once per month. GaDOE requires the School District to submit DE- 0147 – Requests for Reimbursement of Monthly Cash Disbursements through the Grants Accounting Online Reporting System to receive program funds. When a DE-0147 request is submitted and approved, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program funds are typically disbursed to the School District through an electronic payment process the next week. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 – Internal Controls. Additionally, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance Section 200.305(b) state, “For recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the recipient or subrecipient…” In addition, the Uniform Guidance Section 200.302(b)(6) requires that the entity develop written cash management procedures. Condition: A review of all cash drawdowns and disbursements related to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program was performed to determine if any excessive cash balances were maintained during the fiscal year under review. Excessive cash balances at fiscal year-end totaled $52,211. Questioned Costs: Questioned costs of $52,211 were identified for cash drawdowns in excess of reimbursable expenditures. Cause: Excess cash drawdowns resulted from failure to follow established procedures and claiming expenditures on completion reports that were not based on actual general ledger expenditures. Effect: The School District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. In addition, the School District could potentially accrue an interest liability that would be owed back to the federal government. Furthermore, when the School District cannot meet the requirement to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement of those funds, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance allow GaDOE to change the method by which the School District is transferred funds and delay the School District’s receipt of these funds. This may include requirement by GaDOE to submit invoices prior to being reimbursed for program expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should follow established procedures to accurately forecast the cash needs of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief program and minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from GaDOE and the disbursement of such funds by the School District. In addition, these procedures should be documented in writing in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Furthermore, management should develop and implement a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are followed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2025-004 Strengthen Controls over Financial Reporting Compliance Requirement: Reporting Internal Control Impact: Material Weakness Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Number and Title: COVID-19 – 84.425U – American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund Federal Award Numbers: S425U210012 (Year: 2024) Questioned Costs: None identified Description: The School District did not file accurate completion reports for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program. Background Information: The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) requires the School District to submit a completion report by October 30 after the 15-month period of performance associated with the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program ends. These completion reports are filed through the Grants Application section of the MyGaDOE webportal and reflect budgeted and actual expenditure information for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program for the reporting period. If the total expenditures reflected on the completion report are more than the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program funds received by the School District for the grant period, a DE-0147 – Request for Reimbursement of Monthly Cash Disbursements will be automatically generated and the additional funds due to the School District will be disbursed appropriately. Conversely, if the total funds received for the grant period exceed the total expenditures reflected on the completion report, the Grants Application will prompt the School District to enter a check number for the required refund of excess funds drawn down. Therefore, it is imperative that completion reports are filed by the School District in an accurate and timely manner. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provides reasonable assurance of managing the federal awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards pursuant to Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), Section 200.303 – Internal Controls. Provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.302(a) state in part that “all recipient and subrecipient financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by the terms and conditions…” In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.302(b)(2) state that the financial management system must provide for “accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements…” Condition: A review of the School District’s accounting records and the completion reports related to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund program for the period of July 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024 revealed that expenditures were over reported by $56,119. Cause: Excess cash drawdowns resulted from failure to follow established procedures and claiming expenditures on completion reports that were not based on actual general ledger expenditures. Effect: The School District was not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to accurately report federal award expenditures through the completion report process could lead to the filing of DE-0147 reimbursement requests with GaDOE that do not support actual expenditures. Therefore, the School District obtained more federal funding than they were eligible to receive. Recommendation: The School District should follow established procedures to ensure that completion reports submitted to GaDOE are supported by the accounting records and DE-0147 reimbursement requests are prepared based upon actual expenditures incurred. In addition, management should develop and implement a monitoring process to ensure that control procedures are being followed. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
2025-003 Special Tests and Provisions Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing No. 84.063, 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P063P248567 – 2025, P268K258567 – 2025, P268K256514 - 2025 Award Periods: July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: - Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance - Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Per 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. The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 682.610, states that institutions must report accurately the enrollment status of all students regardless of if they receive aid from the institution or not. Changes to said status are required to be reported within 30 days of becoming aware of the status change, or with the next scheduled transmission of statuses if the scheduled transmission is within 60 days. The Code of Federal Regulations, 34 CFR 685.309(b), states the school is required to report changes in the student’s enrollment status, the effective date of the status, and an anticipated completion date. Condition: The University did not properly report student enrollment changes for students who received federal student aid to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Questioned Costs: None Context: During our testing of 17 students, we identified 1 student whose enrollment status change was not reported, 2 students with incorrect status changes reported for program-level reporting, 2 students with an incorrect effective date reported, and 9 students whose status changes were not reported in a timely manner. We also identified that for all 17 of the selected students, enrollment status was not certified every 60 days. Additionally. the University did not document any evidence of review over enrollment reporting. Cause: The University did not have the appropriate resources and staffing in place to verify they were in compliance with all requirements. Effect: The University was not in compliance with the requirements to properly report student enrollment data correctly. Incorrect dates submitted to NSLDS may be used to determine the grace period for the repayment and interest of outstanding Title IV student loans. Repeat findings: 2024-004 Recommendation: We recommend the University review current processes for reporting to NSLDS and implement procedures to ensure submissions are reported timely and accurately. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2025-004 Special Tests and Provisions Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing No. 84.063, 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P063P248567 – 2025, P268K258567 – 2025, P268K256514 - 2025 Award Periods: July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: - Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance - Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: 34 CFR 668.21(a) states that the institution must return all title IV, HEA program funds that were credited to the student's account at the institution or disbursed directly to the student for the payment period. The institution must return those funds no later than 30 days after the date that the institution becomes aware that the student will not or has not begun attendance. Per 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 did not properly evaluate students in need of Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculations. Questioned Costs: None Context: During our testing of 5 R2T4 calculations, we identified 2 students with no R2T4 calculation performed. These students attended more than 60% of the term and did not require returned funds. Additionally, we identified 3 R2T4 calculations that did not have documentation of review. Cause: The University did not have the appropriate resources and staffing in place to verify they were in compliance with all requirements. Effect: The University could return incorrect amounts based off of their calculations and incorrect calculations could effect student repayment amounts based off of amount earned. Repeat findings: 2024-005 Recommendation: We recommend that the University review policies and procedures related to R2T4 calculations to ensure calculations are performed accurately. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2025-005 Special Tests and Provisions Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing No. 84.063, 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P063P248567 – 2025, P268K258567 – 2025, P268K256514 - 2025 Award Periods: July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: - Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance - Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) requires financial institutions to explain their information-sharing practices to their customers and to safeguard sensitive data (16 CFR 314). The regulation states that the college must designate a qualified individual responsible for overseeing and implementing your information security program and enforcing your information security program. (16 CFR 314.4(a)). The entity shall have a Written Information Security Program (WISP) that outlines the design and implementation of the risk assessment procedures. (16 CFR 314.4(b)). At a minimum, the institution's written information security program must address the implementation of the minimum safeguards identified in 16 CFR 314.4(c)(1) through (8) including: Assess apps developed by the institution. In addition, the written security program provides for the institution to regularly test or otherwise monitor the effectiveness of the safeguards it has implemented (16 CFR 314.4(d)). Per 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 has a Written Information Security Program; however, the University did not meet the minimum requirements stated in the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Additionally, we were unable to observe evidence that the WISP was formally reviewed and approved. Questioned Costs: None Context: The WISP was missing the element discussing the secure disposal of customer information. Additionally, there was not an observable formal review or authorization. Cause: The University did not have the appropriate resources and staffing in place to verify they were in compliance with all requirements. Effect: There is a risk the University’s information and systems could be vulnerable to attacks or intrusions, and these attacks may not be detected in a timely manner. Repeat findings: 2024-006 Recommendation: We recommend that the University review the GLBA requirements and ensure their WISP includes all required elements. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2025-006 Eligibility Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P063P248567 – 2025, P268K258567 – 2025, P268K256514 - 2025 Award Periods: July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: - Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance - Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Per 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. Per 34 CFR 690.62 states the Pell grant for an academic year is based upon the payment and disbursement schedule published by the Secretary for each award year. 34 CFR 690.80(b)(1)) states if the student’s enrollment status changes from one academic term to another within the same award year, the institution shall recalculate the Federal Pell Grant award for the new payment period taking into account any changes in the cost of attendance. Condition: The University used a third-party servicer to perform key controls, but did not have documented review of the work performed by their third-party servicer. Additionally, the University incorrectly disbursed Pell funds for 10 students. Questioned Costs: $12,949 Context: During our eligibility testing of 60 students, we identified that the University did not document evidence of review for controls over award packaging performed by their third party servicer. Additionally, out of 43 students receiving Pell, 10 were under awarded. Cause: The University did not have the appropriate resources and staffing in place to verify they were in compliance with all requirements. Effect: Without proper controls the University risks being out of compliance with federal laws and regulations, as well as program compliance requirements. Repeat findings: 2024-007 Recommendation: We recommend the University review its current procedures for awarding Title IV funds and implement any changes necessary to ensure federal funds are awarded and disbursed in accordance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2025-007 Special Tests and Provisions Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing No. 84.063, 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P063P248567 – 2025, P268K258567 – 2025, P268K256514 - 2025 Award Periods: July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: - Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance - Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Per 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 unable to provide documentation of review for controls surrounding credit balance disbursements. Questioned Costs: None Context: The University did not have documented review of controls to ensure credit balance funds that were not successfully disbursed to the student were returned to the Department of Education after 240 days. Cause: The University did not have the appropriate resources and staffing in place to verify they were in compliance with all requirements. Effect: Without proper controls the University risks being out of compliance with federal laws and regulations, as well as program compliance requirements. Repeat findings: No Recommendation: We recommend the University design controls to ensure an adequate review process is in place to ensure compliance over stale checks that need to be returned to the Department of Education after 240 days. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2025-008 Cash Management Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing No. 84.063, 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P063P248567 – 2025, P268K258567 – 2025, P268K256514 - 2025 Award Periods: July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: - Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance - Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Per 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 did not have documentation that Direct Loan Reconciliations or Pell Reconciliations prepared by third-party servicer were reviewed. Additionally, we were unable to observe evidence that the University reviewed cash drawdowns prepared by the third party processor. Questioned Costs: None Context: During our testing, we reviewed 4 months of direct loan reconciliations that the University's third party servicer prepares; however, Urshan was unable to provide documentation of review for these reconciliations. Additionally, during our testing of 5 draws, we identified that all 5 draws did not have documented evidence of review. Cause: The University did not have the appropriate resources and staffing in place to verify they were in compliance with all requirements. Effect: Without proper controls the University risks being out of compliance with federal laws and regulations, as well as program compliance requirements. Repeat findings: 2024-009 Recommendation: We recommend that the University should implement formal review procedures to document that the Cash Management reconciliation and drawdown reviews are being performed to correct errors in a timely manner and to minimize the likelihood of errors going undetected. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
2025-009 Reporting Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing No. 84.063, 84.268 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: P063P248567 – 2025, P268K258567 – 2025, P268K256514 - 2025 Award Periods: July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 Type of Finding: - Significant Deficiency in Internal Control Over Compliance - Other Matters Criteria or specific requirement: Per 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 used a third-party servicer to perform key controls, but did not have documented review of the work performed by their third-party servicer. Additionally, 1 disbursement was incorrectly reported to COD. Questioned Costs: None Context: During our testing of 60 COD disbursements, we noted 1 disbursement that was incorrectly reported. We also noted that the University did not have documentation of review for COD disbursements. Cause: This discrepancy resulted from the student being initially packaged by Campus Ivy using the 01 ISIR transaction, which reflected an SAI of -1500. Subsequent ISIR transactions that significantly impacted eligibility were not identified prior to packaging. These discrepancies were later identified during the University’s internal HCM2 reconciliation process in collaboration with FA Solutions, resulting in a mismatch between awarded aid and COD records. Effect: Without proper controls the University risks being out of compliance with federal laws and regulations, as well as program compliance requirements. Repeat findings: No Recommendation: We recommend the University design controls to ensure an adequate review process is in place to ensure compliance with reporting requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Criteria: According to Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.303, the non-federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal controls over compliance for federal awards to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards. The Town was required to submit an annual project and expenditure report for the period of April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 by April 30, 2025. Condition: The amount of actual expenditures for the period 4/1/2024 - 3/31/2025, was $2,512,252; however, when completing the Project & Expenditure Report for the period ended March 31, 2025, the Town only reported actual expenditures of $1,771,014. Also the cumulative amount of expenditures that should have been reported was $3,396,464; however the Town only reported $2,655,227. In both cases the difference is $741,238. Cause: The reason for the $741,238 is due to the Town not reporting expenditures for the period of 1/1/2025 - 3/31/2025. In other words, the Town only reported expenditures covering 9 months of the reporting period. The Town’s internal controls over compliance were not sufficient to identify that the Project and Expenditure Report was omitting expenditures for the period of 1/1/2025 through 3/31/2025. Effect: Incorrect reporting can effect the administration of the program by the grantor. Questioned Costs: None. Recommendation: We recommend that the Town enhance their internal controls over the requirements of this program to ensure those preparing and reviewing the reports have the appropriate understanding and information needed to ensure completeness and accuracy of information being reported.
Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Compliance and Internal Control over Compliance Federal Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs Federal Program Name: Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program Assistance Listing Number: 64.033 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: 20-WA-146-25; 20-WA-146-LT Pass-Through Agency: N/A Pass-Through Number(s): N/A Award Period: 20-WA-146-25: October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2026; 20-WA-146-LT: August 19, 2022 – September 30, 2026 Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR 200.303 requires recipients of federal funds to "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 statues, regulations, and terms and conditions of the Federal award." Condition: During testing of cash management and indirect costs, all 5 samples of reimbursement request invoices tested from the King County Division lacked evidence of approval by the Finance Director. The 3 additional samples tested from another Division had evidence of review on the invoices. Questioned costs: None. Context: Each Division implements different procedures and controls related to compliance. For the King County Division, the Finance Director was tasked with reviewing the monthly reimbursement request and the corresponding indirect cost calculations via her review of monthly financials. However, that review was not documented during the year therefore there was not any key control in place. The Director of Federal Compliance was the only one who prepares and request the drawdowns without any oversight; however, this did not result in noncompliance. Cause: There are different processes implemented across the various Divisions, which results in inconsistent application of compliance requirements and controls. Effect: Increased possibility of requesting reimbursement for costs that are unallowable to the program, and for misapplying the indirect cost rate due to human error. Repeat Finding: 2024-003 Recommendation: CLA recommends applying a consistent review process of reimbursement requests across all programs and Divisions, to the extent possible, to reduce the likelihood of missed application of controls in regard to cash management and indirect cost application. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program Title: Student Financial Assistance Cluster Assistance Listing Number: 84.063, 84.268 Award Period: June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 Type of Finding: • Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: The 2 CFR section 200.303 requires that non-federal entities receiving federal awards establish and maintain internal control over the federal awards 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 awards. Condition: During our testing, we noted the College did not have a formal review of their monthly reconciliations of Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) data with student account records, federal aid packaging by financial aid staff, and monitoring of the G5 system to ensure timely return of undisbursed funds after 240 days. Questioned Costs: N/A Context: The College did not have proper internal controls in place during the 2024-25 academic year to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Cause: The lack of documentation appears to stem from limited administrative capacity, particularly in the wake of operational disruptions and regulatory changes such as FAFSA Simplification. Effect: The College is not following the compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: We recommend the College review its procedures to ensure controls are in place to ensure to catch any inconsistencies that occur during the year. Views of Responsible Officials: There is no disagreement with the audit finding.
Finding 2025-001 – Procurement (Material Weakness) Repeat Finding: No Federal Agency – National Science Foundation; National Institute of Health Research and Development Cluster Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences – Passed through New York University: 47.075, Mathematical and Physical Sciences – Passed through Loyola University of Chicago: 47.049, Biological Sciences: 47.074, Allergy and Infectious Disease Research: 93.855 Federal Award Years: Year Ended May 31, 2025 Condition The College's procurement policy does not reflect all applicable state and local laws and federal regulations. For two out of three (67%) small purchase procurements, there was not sufficient evidence to support that documentation of the noncompetitive procurement method selected was provided at the time of purchase. Criteria Non-federal entities other than states, including those operating federal programs as subrecipients of states, must follow the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statutes and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. In accordance with 2 CFR sections 200.319 and 200.320(f), price quotations should be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources for procurements that meet the small purchase procurement threshold or require documentation in support of the rationale to limit competition in those cases where competition was limited. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards establish and maintain internal controls deigned to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure the College has a procurement policy that meets the all applicable state and local laws and regulations. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs related to this finding. Cause The College does not have a procurement policy that follows the procurement standards set out at 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327. Context Two out of three vendors tested. Expenditures totaled $100,553. Effect Lack of a documented procurement policy that meets applicable state and local laws and federal regulations can result in improper procurement of goods and services which can lead to loss of future funding. Recommendation We recommend the College implement a procurement policy that conforms to federal regulations. We also recommend that the College implement policies and procedures around documentation of noncompetitive bidding. Views of Responsible Officials We agree with this finding. See corrective action plan.
Finding 2025-002 – Suspension and Debarment (Material Weakness) Repeat Finding: No Federal Agency – National Science Foundation; National Institute of Health Research and Development Cluster Biological Sciences: 47.074, Allergy and Infectious Disease Research: 93.855 Federal Award Years: Year Ended May 31, 2025 Condition For two out two vendors (100%) tested, the College did not provide sufficient documentation that a suspension and debarment check was performed prior to entering into a contract with the vendor. Criteria Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include contracts for goods and services awarded under a non-procurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR section 180.220 Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards establish and maintain internal controls deigned to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure suspension and debarment checks are performed and documented. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs related to this finding. Cause The College did not have controls in place to reasonably ensure compliance with suspension and debarment requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Context Two out of two vendors tested. A subsequent check was confirmed that these vendors were not suspended or debarred. Effect If the College does not obtain documentation confirming a vendor for a procurement transaction was not suspended or debarred, the College could enter into a transaction with a suspended or debarred vendor causing unallowable costs and as a result represent noncompliance and result in a loss of federal funding. Recommendation We recommend the College review current processes for suspension and debarment to ensure that documentation is included to support the suspension and debarment check prior to entering into a contract with a vendor. Views of Responsible Officials We agree with this finding. See corrective action plan.
Finding 2025-003 – Student Financial Aid - Excess Cash (Significant Deficiency) Repeat Finding: No Federal Agency – U.S. Department of Education (ED) Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Direct Student Loans: 84.268 Federal Award Years: Year Ended May 31, 2025 Condition During our cash management testing, we identified that Lake Forest College had excess cash for the FDL program ranging from $24,903 to $3,683,698 during the period of January 30, 2025 through February 7, 2025. In this situation, the excess cash exceeded one percent of total prior year drawdowns, and the amount was not returned within a seven-day period. Criteria Uniform Grant Guidance (34 CFR 668.166) states the Secretary considers excess cash to be any amount of Title IV, HEA program funds, other than Federal Perkins Loan program funds, that an institution does not disburse to students by the end of the third business day following the date the institution (1) received those funds from the Secretary; or (2) deposited or transferred to its depository account previously disbursed Title IV, HEA program funds, such as those resulting from awards adjustments, recoveries, or cancellations. An institution may maintain for up to seven days an amount of excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds the institution drew down in the prior award year. The institution must return immediately to the Secretary any amount of excess cash over the one-percent tolerance and any amount of excess cash remaining in its account after the seven-day tolerance period. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards establish and maintain internal controls deigned to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure excess cash is properly handled. Questioned Costs Questioned costs is the amount that exceeded one percent of total prior year drawdowns. Excess cash ranged from $24,903 to $3,683,698. Cause The College drew down funds in advance of the Spring semester which is allowed based on the College’s cash management method. However, due to timing differences, the funds were not ultimately disbursed to students until 8 days after the drawdown was made. Context One instance of excess cash during the fiscal year. Effect Excess cash is noncompliance with Federal regulation and could result in the loss of future funding. Untimely reconciliation of federal awards can result in over or under awarding of funding and result in heightened monitoring by the Department of Education. Recommendation We recommend the College review current processes for monitoring cash management and implement procedures that eliminate excess cash. Views of Responsible Officials We agree with this finding. See corrective action plan.
Finding 2025-004 – Enrollment Reporting (Significant Deficiency) Repeat Finding: No Federal Agency – U.S. Department of Education (ED) Student Financial Assistance Cluster Federal Pell Grant Program: 84.063 Federal Direct Student Loans: 84.268 Federal Work Study Program: 84.033 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants 84.007 Federal Award Years: Year Ended May 31, 2025 Condition For three out of forty (7.5%) student enrollment reporting selections, the student's status change at the campus level and program was not properly reported to NSLDS with the required timeframe. Criteria CFR section 685.309 and 690.83(b)(2) requires the College to notify the NSLDS within 30 days of a change in student status or include the change in status in a response to an enrollment reporting roster within 60 days of the student’s date of determination of withdrawal. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards establish and maintain internal controls deigned to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure accurate and timely enrollment reporting Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs related to testing of enrollment reporting. Cause The student's status change was after the last scheduled reporting transmission file of the semester, therefore their status change was not captured in the NSLDS reporting submission. Context Three out of forty students selected for testing. Effect Failure to report status changes accurately is noncompliance with Federal regulation and could result in heightened monitoring by the Department of Education. Recommendation We recommend the College implement review procedures to ensure that the proper effective date is being reported to the NSLDS when a student withdraws or has an enrollment status change. A system of review procedures and/or controls will ensure the College is reporting status changes accurately. Views of responsible officials We agree with this finding. See corrective action plan.
Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting U.S. Department of Education, Student Financial Assistance Cluster, Assistance Listing Number 84.268 Federal Direct Student Loans, Assistance Listing Number 84.063 Federal Pell Grant Program Program Year 2024–2025 Type of Finding: Other Instance of Noncompliance and Deficiency Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.303, 34 CFR 685.309, OMB No. 1845-0035 and the Federal Student Aid Handbook, institutions are required to report accurate and timely enrollment status changes, including graduation, to the NSLDS via the National Student Clearinghouse or other reporting mechanisms. Accurate reporting ensures proper administration of Title IV funds and prevents inappropriate loan deferments or repayments. Condition: The University did not ensure that all graduation data was accurately transmitted and reflected in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Questioned Costs: $0 Context: Out of the population of 167 students subject to enrollment reporting, a sample of 17 students were selected for testing. For 1 of the 17 students tested, NSLDS did not reflect the student’s graduation status on campus or program students in which the University’s records reported graduated. Effect: Failure to report accurate enrollment status may result in incorrect deferment or repayment statuses for student borrowers, potentially impacting loan servicing and compliance with federal regulations. Cause: The errors appear to be the result of a lapse in control by the University to ensure all graduation data was accurately transmitted and reflected in the NSLDS. Recommendation: We recommend the University enhance its controls over the enrollment reporting process to ensure that all graduation data is accurately and timely reported to the NSLDS. This may include periodic reconciliations between internal records and NSLDS data and follow-up procedures for discrepancies. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs with the finding and recommendation. Further information on the corrective action plan will be provided by management.
Finding 2025-001: Excess Cash – Student Financial Aid Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Program Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster, Federal Direct Student Loans Assistance Listing Number: 84.268 Award Year: June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025 Program Expenditures: $26,594,632 Questioned Costs: None Criteria: Uniform Grant Guidance (34 CFR 668.166) states the Secretary considers excess cash to be any amount of Title IV, Higher Education Act (HEA) program funds, other than Federal Perkins Loan program funds, that an institution does not disburse to students by the end of the third business day following the date the institution (1) received those funds from the Secretary; or (2) deposited or transferred to its depository account previously disbursed Title IV, HEA program funds, such as those resulting from awards adjustments, recoveries, or cancellations. An institution may maintain for up to seven days an amount of excess cash that does not exceed one percent of the total amount of funds the institution drew down in the prior award year. The institution must return immediately to the Secretary any amount of excess cash over the one-percent tolerance and any amount of excess cash remaining in its account after the seven-day tolerance period. Uniform Grant Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and program compliance requirements. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure excess cash is properly handled. Condition: The Kansas Health Science University (KHSU) had one instance of excess cash for the Federal Direct Student Loan program. During our cash management testing, we identified KHSU had excess cash for the Direct Loan program ranging from $94,646 to $190,735 for the period from March 21, 2025 to April 3, 2025. For the period of March 21, 2025 to April 3, 2025, the excess cash exceeded one percent of total prior year drawdowns and amounts were not returned within the seven-day period. Cause: University officials stated the excess cash issues were due to time needed to reconcile refunds with the Common Origination and Disbursement system. Effect: Excess cash is noncompliance with Federal regulations and could result in heightened monitoring by the U.S. Department of Education. Questioned Costs: None Context: For the period of March 21, 2025 to April 3, 2025, KHSU had excess cash ranging from $94,646 to $190,735. KHSU held excess cash for a period of 9 business days and 14 calendar days, respectively. Repeat Finding: Yes. (Finding 2024-001) Recommendation: We recommend KHSU strengthen internal controls around the determination of amounts to be drawn and refunded to the Secretary during the fiscal year. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding. Please see corrective action plan attached.
Item 2025-006 - Special Tests and Provisions - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Center Program Cluster (Assistance Listing Number 93.224/93.527) Notice of Award Number 6 H80CS00505-23-04, 6 H2ECS45602-02-04, 1 H8LCS50772-01-00 and 6 H8HCS46163-03-01 - (Significant Deficiency) Criteria: Per 2 CFR §200.303(d), non-Federal entities must take prompt action when instances of noncompliance are identified, including those found in audits and monitoring reviews. Entities are also required to establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards, including monitoring and corrective action systems. Statement of Condition: During our audit, we noted that LBUCC conducted quarterly internal audit reviews of fifty (50) samples self-pay patients to review for sliding fee discount determination. However, we noted that the findings or exceptions identified in the quarterly internal audit review remained uncorrected. Cause: LBUCC did not have a formal tracking and follow-up procedure to ensure that internal audit findings are remediated in a timely and effective manner. Effect: Lack of procedures to track and follow up the remediation of detected errors increases the risk that errors may persist and may lead to noncompliance and/or financial reporting errors. Questioned Costs: None Context: LBUCC’s Operating Data Analyst haphazardly selects 50 samples from the sliding fee visits each quarter, inspects the supporting documentations and reviews the annual income calculation and sliding fee determination. The Operating Data Analyst noted 16 and 25 exceptions during the 3rd and 4th quarter internal reviews and none of these exceptions were communicated to the respective department and therefore all exceptions remained uncorrected. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that LBUCC establish a process for communicating, investigating and correcting all internal audit findings or exceptions on a timely manner. Additionally, we recommend that management identify the potential cause of such findings or exceptions and that necessary corrective actions be taken to address such cause. For example, LBUCC may conduct periodic training of all employees involved in the patient intake and screening process. Management Response: Management agrees with the finding and will implement these steps to strengthen our internal controls particularly the monitoring component as this is essential for sustaining compliance
2025-002: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes for Health Research and Development Cluster, Cancer Control, Assistance Listing #93.399; Lack of Adequate Documentation and Lack of Independent Review of Expenditures Condition During the audit for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, transactions lacked sufficient supporting documentation or evidence of review and approval by the director. Additionally, some of the expenditures were incurred by the director and were self-reviewed without any independent oversight or secondary approval. Management Response See Corrective Action Plan. Criteria Pursuant to 2 CFR § 200.303, nonfederal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over federal awards that provide reasonable assurance that the organization is managing the awards in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Effective internal controls include proper documentation and independent review of expenditures to ensure allowability, reasonableness, and compliance. Context Out of 63 expenditures tested, 29 lacked sufficient supporting documentation or evidence of review. 19 of the 29 were expenditures incurred by the director and self-reviewed. Cause The Consortium has not implemented adequate internal control procedures to ensure that all expenditures are properly documented and independently reviewed. The lack of segregation of duties, particularly in the review of expenditures made by the director, contributed to the deficiency. Effect The absence of sufficient documentation and independent review increases the risk of unauthorized, unsupported, or unallowable expenditures. Recommendation We recommend that the Consortium strengthen its internal control procedures by: • Requiring complete supporting documentation for all expenditures; • Implementing a formal review and approval process for all transactions, including those made by executive leadership; and • Ensuring that expenditures made by the director are reviewed and approved by an independent party, such as a board member or designated individual.
Finding 2025‐001 Special Tests and Provisions – Enrollment Reporting Information on the federal program: Federal awarding agency: United States Department of Education (ED) Federal program: Student Financial Assistance Cluster: Federal Pell Grant Program, ALN 84.063 Federal Direct Student Loans, ALN 84.268 Award year: 2024‐2025 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory or other citation): 2 CFR 200.303 requires that a 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 and the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Institutions are responsible for timely reporting, whether they report directly or via a third-party servicer. Institutions must complete and return within 15 days the Enrollment Reporting roster file placed in their Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG) (OMB No. 1845-0002) mailboxes sent by ED via the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) (OMB No. 1845-0035). The institution determines how often it receives the Enrollment Reporting roster file with the default set at a minimum of every 60 days. Once received, the institution must update for changes in the data elements for the Campus Record and the Program Record, and submit the changes electronically through the batch method, spreadsheet submittal, or the NSLDS website (Pell, 34 CFR 690.83(b)(2); FFEL, 34 CFR 682.610; Direct Loan, 34 CFR 685.309). NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide Chapter 1.4: At a minimum, schools are required to certify enrollment every 60 days, and respond within 15 days of the date that the NSLDS sends a roster file to the school or its third-party servicer. This requirement also applies to schools that report exclusively online. When a Direct Loan was made to or on behalf of a student who was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at the institution, and the student ceased to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis or failed to enroll on at least a half-time basis for the period for which the loan was intended; or a student who is enrolled at the institution and who received a loan under Title IV has changed his or her permanent address, the institution must report the change in its next updated Enrollment Reporting Roster file (due within 60 days of the change). Condition: The University did not provide evidence of an effective review process to ensure accurate and timely reporting of student status changes to NSLDS. The University did not report program enrollment effective date or student status to the NSLDS for 1 of 60 students selected for testing. Cause: The University did not have effective internal controls and procedures in place to ensure status changes were reported to the NSLDS accurately and timely. Effect or potential effect: Lack of timely and accurate enrollment reporting results in inaccurate enrollment status. A student’s enrollment status determines eligibility for in-school status, deferment, and grace periods. Enrollment reporting in a timely and accurate manner is critical for effective management of the programs. Questioned costs: $0 Context: We issued a material weakness related to internal control over compliance with enrollment reporting requirements in the prior year. Based upon the implementation date for the corrective action of May 31, 2025, provided by management, the finding related to this internal control had not been remediated for the period under audit. As such, we did not test the operating effectiveness of this internal control and are issuing a material weakness consistent with the prior year finding. EY selected and tested 60 students from the combined population of 1681 students that withdrew, never attended (no shows), graduated, or had changes in attendance levels during the year ended May 31, 2025. The 60 students, randomly selected, consisted of 35 student graduates, 15 student withdrawals/no shows, and 10 student changes in attendance levels. Of the 10 student changes in attendance levels, 1 student change in attendance level was not reported to the NSLDS. As a result, campus and program level data for program enrollment effective date and status was not reported for this student. For the 35 student graduates and 15 student withdrawals/no shows, the student status changes were reported accurately and timely to NSLDS. Total Student Financial Assistance Cluster expenditures for the year ended May 31, 2025, were $138,008,610, of which $14,477,268 were for Pell and $118,404,580 were for Direct Loans. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Yes – 2024-001; 2023-001; 2022-001; 2021-001; 2020-001; 2019-002 Recommendation: The University should review, revise and implement internal controls and procedures surrounding the accurate and timely reporting of student status changes to the NSLDS. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding and has developed a corrective action plan which includes the Registrar’s Office and the Office of Financial Assistance working together to eliminate reporting issues and provide for successful data processing for enrollment reporting. The corrective action will be implemented by May 31, 2026.
Finding 2025‐002 Special Tests and Provisions – Return of Title IV Funds Information on the federal program: Federal awarding agency: United States Department of Education (ED) Federal program: Student Financial Assistance Cluster: Federal Pell Grant Program (Pell), ALN 84.063 Federal Direct Student Loans (Direct Loans), ALN 84.268 Award year: 2024‐2025 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory or other citation): 2 CFR 200.303 requires that a 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 and the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 34 CFR section 668.173(b) requires timely return of title IV, HEA program funds. “In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary or FFEL Program lender, an institution returns unearned title IV, HEA program funds timely if – (1) The institution deposits or transfers the funds into the bank account it maintains under § 668.163 no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew; (2) The institution initiates an electronic funds transfer (EFT) no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew; (3) The institution initiates an electronic transaction, no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew, that informs a FFEL lender to adjust the borrower’s loan account for the amount returned; or (4) The institution issues a check no later than 45 days after the date it determines that the student withdrew. An institution does not satisfy this requirement if – (i) The institution’s records show that the check was issued more than 45 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew; or (ii) The date on the cancelled check shows that the bank used by the Secretary or FFEL Program lender endorsed that check more than 60 days after the date the institution determined that the student withdrew.” Condition: The University did not provide evidence of an effective review process to ensure the timely calculation and return of Title IV funds to ED. The University did not accurately calculate and return Title IV funds in a timely manner to ED, within 45 days after the date the institution determined that a student withdrew. Cause: The University did not have effective internal controls and procedures in place over the return of Title IV funds to prevent noncompliance. Effect or potential effect: The University is not returning Title IV funds within the required time frame to ED, resulting in noncompliance. Questioned costs: $24,214 – Questioned costs were calculated based on the amount of funds not properly returned to ED. Context: We issued a material weakness related to internal control over compliance for the timely calculation and return of Title IV funds in the prior year. Based upon the planned implementation date for the corrective action of May 31, 2025 and then changed to May 1, 2026, as provided by management, the finding related to this internal control had not been remediated for the period under audit. As such, we did not test the operating effectiveness of this internal control and are issuing a material weakness consistent with the prior year finding. EY selected and tested 38 students from the population of 233 students who received Title IV funds, who withdrew during the year ended May 31, 2025. Of the 38 students selected, returns of Title IV funds were required for 26 students, with no returns required for 12 students. For 4 of the 26 students who withdrew, returns of Title IV funds were not returned to ED by the University within 45 days after the date the University determined the student withdrew. For these 4 students Title IV funds were returned to ED within a range of 81 to 142 days after the student withdrew. For 3 of the 26 students who withdrew, no returns of Title IV funds were calculated by the University and therefore no funds were returned to ED by the University. The funds required to be returned but not returned to ED totaled $24,214 for the 3 students. Total Student Financial Assistance Cluster expenditures for the year ended May 31, 2025, were $138,008,610, of which $14,477,268 were for Pell and $118,404,580 were for Direct Loans. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Yes – 2024-002; 2023-002 Recommendation: The University should review and revise its internal controls and procedures surrounding the calculation and timely return of Title IV funds to ensure that the correct amount of federal student financial assistance is returned within the required time frame. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding and has developed a corrective action plan in which the Director of Financial Assistance has been working on a full review of all withdrawals during fiscal year 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to ensure calculations were complete, accurate, and funds returned as required. The corrective action will be implemented by May 1, 2026.
Finding 2025‐003 – Special Tests and Provisions – Disbursements to or on Behalf of Students Information on the federal program: Federal awarding agency: United States Department of Education (ED) Federal program: Student Financial Assistance Cluster: Federal Pell Grant Program (Pell), ALN 84.063 Federal Direct Student Loans, Assistance Listing No. 84.268 Award years: 2024‐2025 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory or other citation): 2 CFR 200.303 requires that a 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 and the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition: The University was unable to provide evidence that internal controls were performed in relation to notifications of disbursements, including notification of the amount and type of Title IV funds students are expected to receive, and how and when those disbursements will be made (award letter), and when direct loans are being credited to a student’s account (direct loan notification). Cause: The evidence of the internal control over award letters being sent to students consisted of award letter job completion confirmation emails. The evidence of the internal control over direct loan notifications includes reports of direct loan disbursements and corresponding dates of direct loan notifications received through the reporting tool, Argos, through email. The University indicated an issue with Outlook caused the emails to be deleted, so we were unable to observe some of the emails related to the award letters and any of the emails related to the direct loan notifications for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025. Effect or potential effect: Evidence of the performance of internal controls over award letters and direct loan notifications did not exist. Award letters may not be sent, resulting in noncompliance, and direct loan notifications may not be made timely which could impact the student’s ability to cancel the loan. Questioned costs: $0 Context: Once the University prepares award packages for students, the award letter chain is triggered. Once the award letter chain is triggered, an award letter job completion confirmation is received via email by the Office of Financial Aid. We observed award letter job completion confirmation emails for 3 of 9 weeks selected for testing; however, we did not observe award letter job completion confirmation emails for the remaining 6 of 9 weeks selected. The University indicated there was a storage issue with Outlook causing emails to be deleted, including those related to award letter job completion emails. Due to the Outlook storage issue, we were unable to verify which weeks did or did not require award letters to be sent to students or which weeks might have been affected by the storage issue. Although, we did not observe the award letter job completion confirmation emails for 6 selected weeks, we did observe award letters were sent to each of the students selected in our disbursement testing, noting no compliance exceptions. The University receives emails from its reporting tool, Argos, of direct loan disbursements made and corresponding direct loan notification dates. We were unable to obtain the Argos emails containing the direct loan notification reports for 25 selected days. As a result, we could not confirm whether the University received the reports or performed the control to determine if any manual notifications should have been made. According to the University, the storage issue with Outlook caused Loan Disbursement Notification Quality Control emails to be deleted. We observed no such emails dated during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025. Although we did not observe the email documentation and reports from Argos as evidence that internal controls over direct loan notifications were performed, we did observe direct loan notifications were made for the disbursements to students selected in our disbursement testing, noting no compliance exceptions. Total Student Financial Assistance Cluster expenditures for the year ended May 31, 2025, were $138,008,610, of which $14,477,268 were for Pell and $118,404,580 were for Direct Loans. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should ensure that evidence of the performance of internal controls related to award letters and direct loan notifications is maintained. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding and has developed a corrective action plan whereby the Office of Financial Assistance is now able to retain evidence of emails related to internal controls over award letters and direct loan notifications. The corrective action was implemented by May 23, 2025.
Finding 2025‐004 – Special Tests and Provisions – Disbursements to or on Behalf of Students Information on the federal program: Federal awarding agency: United States Department of Education (ED) Federal program: Student Financial Assistance Cluster: Federal Pell Grant Program (Pell), ALN 84.063 Federal Direct Student Loans, Assistance Listing No. 84.268 Award years: 2024‐2025 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory or other citation): 2 CFR 200.303 requires that a 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 and the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). When Title IV funds are credited to a student account and they exceed the amount of tuition and fees, food and housing, and other authorized charges assessed the student, a credit balance is created. The institution must pay the resulting credit balance directly to the student or parent borrower within 14 days after (1) the first day of class of a payment period if the credit balance occurred on or before that day, or (2) the balance occurred if that was after the first day of class. An institution is permitted to hold credit balances if it obtains a voluntary authorization from the student. Regardless of any authorization obtained by the institution, the institution must pay any remaining loan balance by the end of the loan period and any other remaining Title IV funds by the end of the last payment period in the award year for which the funds were awarded. Condition: The University was unable to provide evidence that internal controls over the return of credit balances to students were performed. Additionally, student credit balances were not identified and refunded to students within 14 days after the credit balance occurred. Cause: The evidence of the internal control over student credit balances includes credit balance reports received through the reporting tool, Argos, through email. The University indicated an issue with Outlook caused the emails to be deleted, so we were unable to observe any of these emails for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025. Additionally, the University’s internal controls were not effective to ensure that student credit balances were identified and returned to students with 14 days as required. Effect or potential effect: Evidence of the performance of internal controls over the review of student credit balances did not exist. Additionally, due to ineffective controls, the refund of student credit balances were not made timely (within 14 days as required), which resulted in noncompliance. Questioned costs: $0 Context: We were unable to obtain the Argos email containing the report of students with credit balances for the 9 weeks selected. As a result, we could not observe that the University received these reports and performed the internal control of review and inspection of student credit balances to ensure that students received refunds as appropriate. The University indicated there was a storage issue with Outlook causing emails to be deleted, including those related to the credit balance control emails. We observed no such emails dated during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025. Additionally, we observed noncompliance for 4 of 40 students, whereby 3 students did not receive refunds of credit balances within 14 days and 1 student did not receive a refund of the credit balance, since the University applied the credit to other charges; however, that was done after the 14 day requirement. Total Student Financial Assistance Cluster expenditures for the year ended May 31, 2025, were $138,008,610, of which $14,477,268 were for Pell and $118,404,580 were for Direct Loans. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: The University should ensure that internal controls over the identification and return of student credit balances are improved and effective and also maintain evidence of the performance of those internal controls. The University should ensure that student credits are identified and returned to students within 14 days, as required. Views of responsible officials: Management agrees with the finding and has developed a corrective action plan whereby the Office of Financial Assistance is now able to retain evidence of emails related to internal controls over award letters and direct loan notifications. Additionally, the Business Office is now running internal reports twice weekly to identify and process credit balances. The corrective action was implemented by May 23, 2025.