Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 Financial reporting . . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation was required to submit Annual Data Reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year during the audit period to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. We noted that the ESSER I, ESSER III and CrossAct amounts reported for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 ($3,070, $745,718 and 119 employees respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure and employee records ($7,062, $754,729 and 207 employees respectively) for the same period. Additionally, we noted that the ESSER II, ESSER III and CrossAct amounts reported on the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 ($452,658, $117,344 and 117 employees respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure and employee records ($62,794, $459,556 and 207 employees respectively) for the same period. Of the eight reports the School Corporation was required to submit during the audit period, auditable evidence of review and approval of these reports was only provided for two. Identification as a repeat finding: Yes, see Finding 2022-002.Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 Financial reporting . . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation was required to submit Annual Data Reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year during the audit period to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. We noted that the ESSER I, ESSER III and CrossAct amounts reported for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 ($3,070, $745,718 and 119 employees respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure and employee records ($7,062, $754,729 and 207 employees respectively) for the same period. Additionally, we noted that the ESSER II, ESSER III and CrossAct amounts reported on the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 ($452,658, $117,344 and 117 employees respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure and employee records ($62,794, $459,556 and 207 employees respectively) for the same period. Of the eight reports the School Corporation was required to submit during the audit period, auditable evidence of review and approval of these reports was only provided for two. Identification as a repeat finding: Yes, see Finding 2022-002.Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 Financial reporting . . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation was required to submit Annual Data Reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) each year during the audit period to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. We noted that the ESSER I, ESSER III and CrossAct amounts reported for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 ($3,070, $745,718 and 119 employees respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure and employee records ($7,062, $754,729 and 207 employees respectively) for the same period. Additionally, we noted that the ESSER II, ESSER III and CrossAct amounts reported on the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 ($452,658, $117,344 and 117 employees respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure and employee records ($62,794, $459,556 and 207 employees respectively) for the same period. Of the eight reports the School Corporation was required to submit during the audit period, auditable evidence of review and approval of these reports was only provided for two. Identification as a repeat finding: Yes, see Finding 2022-002.Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-003 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 7 CFR 245.3(c) sates in part: Each School Food Authority shall serve free and reduced price meals or free milk in the respective programs to children eligible under its eligibility criteria. Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During sample testing of 60 students for eligibility, we noted 14 instances where there was no documented review by someone other than the individual making the eligibility determination. The lack of review was isolated to paper applications. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and eligibility compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-003 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 7 CFR 245.3(c) sates in part: Each School Food Authority shall serve free and reduced price meals or free milk in the respective programs to children eligible under its eligibility criteria. Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During sample testing of 60 students for eligibility, we noted 14 instances where there was no documented review by someone other than the individual making the eligibility determination. The lack of review was isolated to paper applications. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and eligibility compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-003 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 7 CFR 245.3(c) sates in part: Each School Food Authority shall serve free and reduced price meals or free milk in the respective programs to children eligible under its eligibility criteria. Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During sample testing of 60 students for eligibility, we noted 14 instances where there was no documented review by someone other than the individual making the eligibility determination. The lack of review was isolated to paper applications. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and eligibility compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-003 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Material Noncompliance, Qualified Opinion Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles requirements. Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: $17,811 (Known). Context: During testing we noted the following issues in a sample of forty child nutrition cluster payroll claims: • 6 of 40 payroll transactions where a timecard was not completed by the employee to validate their hours worked and the time charged to food service. • 19 of 40 payroll transactions where the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for approval of the hourly rate paid to employee. The noncompliance was isolated to the payroll periods through August 4, 2023. The School Corporation corrected the issues starting with the next payroll period. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management ensure all amounts paid to employees are supported by an approved rate schedule. Additionally, we recommend that School Corporation ensure timecards are completed and reviewed to support all time charged to the program. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-003 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Material Noncompliance, Qualified Opinion Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles requirements. Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: $17,811 (Known). Context: During testing we noted the following issues in a sample of forty child nutrition cluster payroll claims: • 6 of 40 payroll transactions where a timecard was not completed by the employee to validate their hours worked and the time charged to food service. • 19 of 40 payroll transactions where the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for approval of the hourly rate paid to employee. The noncompliance was isolated to the payroll periods through August 4, 2023. The School Corporation corrected the issues starting with the next payroll period. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management ensure all amounts paid to employees are supported by an approved rate schedule. Additionally, we recommend that School Corporation ensure timecards are completed and reviewed to support all time charged to the program. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-003 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles Audit Finding: Material Weakness, Material Noncompliance, Qualified Opinion Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the Activities Allowed or Unallowed, Allowable Costs/Cost Principles requirements. Effect: The failure to design and implement an effective internal control system enabled material noncompliance to go undetected. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the Activities Allowed or Unallowed and Allowable Costs/Cost Principles compliance requirements could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs: $17,811 (Known). Context: During testing we noted the following issues in a sample of forty child nutrition cluster payroll claims: • 6 of 40 payroll transactions where a timecard was not completed by the employee to validate their hours worked and the time charged to food service. • 19 of 40 payroll transactions where the School Corporation was unable to provide supporting documentation for approval of the hourly rate paid to employee. The noncompliance was isolated to the payroll periods through August 4, 2023. The School Corporation corrected the issues starting with the next payroll period. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management ensure all amounts paid to employees are supported by an approved rate schedule. Additionally, we recommend that School Corporation ensure timecards are completed and reviewed to support all time charged to the program. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the cash management compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: We noted that for all sponsor claim reimbursements in a sample of four claims, the sponsor claim reimbursement was prepared without a secondary, documented review before the submission of the claim to ensure the accuracy of the sponsor claim reimbursement summary. Identification as a repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior finding number was 2022-003. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management review internal controls surrounding the claim reimbursement process. The secondary, documented review of the request for reimbursement should include a review of the underlying meal count reports to ensure the claim reimbursement request is accurate and complete. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the cash management compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: We noted that for all sponsor claim reimbursements in a sample of four claims, the sponsor claim reimbursement was prepared without a secondary, documented review before the submission of the claim to ensure the accuracy of the sponsor claim reimbursement summary. Identification as a repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior finding number was 2022-003. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management review internal controls surrounding the claim reimbursement process. The secondary, documented review of the request for reimbursement should include a review of the underlying meal count reports to ensure the claim reimbursement request is accurate and complete. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the cash management compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: We noted that for all sponsor claim reimbursements in a sample of four claims, the sponsor claim reimbursement was prepared without a secondary, documented review before the submission of the claim to ensure the accuracy of the sponsor claim reimbursement summary. Identification as a repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior finding number was 2022-003. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management review internal controls surrounding the claim reimbursement process. The secondary, documented review of the request for reimbursement should include a review of the underlying meal count reports to ensure the claim reimbursement request is accurate and complete. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During sample testing of 60 students for eligibility, we noted 5 instances where there was no documented review by someone other than the individual making the eligibility determination. Additionally, we noted 4 instances where the School Corporation was unable to provide the application. The issues were isolated to paper applications Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and eligibility compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During sample testing of 60 students for eligibility, we noted 5 instances where there was no documented review by someone other than the individual making the eligibility determination. Additionally, we noted 4 instances where the School Corporation was unable to provide the application. The issues were isolated to paper applications Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and eligibility compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023, FY2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the eligibility compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with eligibility requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During sample testing of 60 students for eligibility, we noted 5 instances where there was no documented review by someone other than the individual making the eligibility determination. Additionally, we noted 4 instances where the School Corporation was unable to provide the application. The issues were isolated to paper applications Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and eligibility compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-006 Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 Financial reporting . . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation was required to submit two Annual Data Reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) during the audit period to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. We noted that the ESSER II, and ESSER III amounts reported for the reports covering the FY22 time period ($99,969 and $251,848, respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure records ($105,319 and $369,743, respectively, for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022). Additionally, we noted that the ESSER II, and ESSER III amounts reported for the reports covering the FY23 time period ($168,087 and $266,122, respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure records ($169,046 and $241,329, respectively, for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023). We also noted there was no documented, secondary review of the information in the annual data reports by someone other than the preparer. Identification as a repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior finding number was 2022-002. Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-006 Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 Financial reporting . . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation was required to submit two Annual Data Reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) during the audit period to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. We noted that the ESSER II, and ESSER III amounts reported for the reports covering the FY22 time period ($99,969 and $251,848, respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure records ($105,319 and $369,743, respectively, for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022). Additionally, we noted that the ESSER II, and ESSER III amounts reported for the reports covering the FY23 time period ($168,087 and $266,122, respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure records ($169,046 and $241,329, respectively, for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023). We also noted there was no documented, secondary review of the information in the annual data reports by someone other than the preparer. Identification as a repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior finding number was 2022-002. Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-008 Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425U Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 29 CFR 5.5 states in part: (1) Minimum wages. (i) All laborers and mechanics employed or working upon the site of the work (or under the United States Housing Act of 1937 or under the Housing Act of 1949 in the construction or development of the project), will be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a week, and without subsequent deduction or rebate on any account (except such payroll deductions as are permitted by regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor under the Copeland Act (29 CFR part 3)), the full amount of wages and bona fide fringe benefits (or cash equivalents thereof) due at time of payment computed at rates not less than those contained in the wage determination of the Secretary of Labor which is attached hereto and made a part hereof, regardless of any contractual relationship which may be alleged to exist between the contractor and such laborers and mechanics… (3)(ii)(A) The contractor shall submit weekly for each week in which any contract work is performed a copy of all payrolls to the (write in name of appropriate federal agency) if the agency is a party to the contract, but if the agency is not such a party, the contractor will submit the payrolls to the applicant, sponsor, or owner, as the case may be, for transmission to the (write in name of agency). 2 CFR 200 Appendix II states in part: In addition to other provisions required by the Federal agency or non-Federal entity; all contracts made by the non-Federal entity under the Federal award must contain provisions covering the following, as applicable. . . . (D) Davis-Bacon Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148). When required by Federal program legislation, all prime construction contracts in excess of $2,000 awarded by non-Federal entities must include a provision for compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5, “Labor Standards Provisions Applicable to Contracts Covering Federally Financed and Assisted Construction”). In accordance with the statute, contractors must be required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once a week.. . .” Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Special Tests and Provisions - Wage Rate Requirements compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: For the one project subject to Davis-Bacon requirements, the School Corporation did not obtain the weekly payroll reports certifications from the company that performed renovations on the School Corporation. Therefore, no review was performed to ensure that pay rates complied with the federal wage rate requirements. Additionally, the School Corporation did not have a contract with the company that included the clauses for the federal wage rate requirements. The amount disbursed and reported on the SEFA during the audit period is $64,720. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommend the School Corporation implement a formal process to ensure the required weekly payroll reports certifications are collected and reviewed to ensure compliance with the wage rate requirements. Additionally, we recommend the School Corporation implement a formal process to ensure the contracts including labor costs over $2,000 funded by federal awards have Davis Bacon wage rate requirement clause in written contract. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Finding 2024-001 Untimely Return of Title IV Funds/Federal Department:US Department of Education/CFDA Numbers: 84.268/Cluster Name: Student Financial Assistance Cluster/Programs:Federal Direct Student Loans/Awards Numbers:P268K231372, P268K241372/Questioned Cost: None/Program Expenditures: $17,886,002 Olivet Nazarene University (University) did not return Title IV funds to the Department of Education (Department) within 45 days after the date of the University’s determination that a student withdrew. During our testing of 25 students who withdrew from the University during the year, it was noted that two students’ (8%) Direct Unsubsidized loan funds were not timely returned to the Department. The University’s dates of determination the students withdrew were November 7, 2023 and November 13, 2023; however, the University did not return the students’ unearned Direct Unsubsidized loan funds to the Department until January 18, 2024 (21 and 27 days late). The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. The Code of Federal Regulations (34 CFR 668.22(j)(1)) states an institution must return the amount of Title IV funds for which it is responsible as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew. The Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.303) requires nonfederal entities receiving Federal awards establish and maintain internal controls designed to reasonably ensure compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and terms and conditions of the Federal award. Effective internal controls should include procedures to ensure that unearned Title IV funds are returned to the Department in a timely manner. University officials stated both untimely return of Title IV funds (R2T4’s) were due to conflicts, including the Christmas/New Year’s two week break. The committee meets every other Wednesday. Both R2T4’s were done on-time, but the review was delayed due to travel of two of the members. When the committee met, an error was found in the denominator, and were sent back for revision, and completed the next meeting. Because that occurred in January, the process was late. The University believes this was an isolated incident based on the timing of the campus shut-down. Failure to timely return unearned Title IV funds to the Department may jeopardize future Federal funding. (Finding Code No. 2024-001, 2023-002) RECOMMENDATION We recommend the University timely return to the Department the amount of title IV funds for which it is responsible after the University has determined a student has withdrawn. UNIVERSITY RESPONSE The University agrees with the finding and will implement a new process to review all R2T4’s weekly, instead of the current bi-weekly process. In addition, if any committee members are absent, the remaining members will review the R2T4’s on the scheduled dates.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers: S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 Financial reporting . . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation was required to submit Annual Data Reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) during the audit period to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. We noted that the ESSER I, ESSER II and ESSER III amounts reported on the Year 3 report ($1,459,495 and $5,966,446, and $1,220,584 respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure records ($514,738 and $1,651,887 and $2,259,794, respectively), for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Additionally, we noted that the ESSER II amount reported on the Year 4 report ($395,303) did not agree to the underlying expenditure records ($1,247,686), for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. Finally, there was no formal review of the Annual Data Reports prior to their submission to the IDOE. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers: S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 Financial reporting . . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation was required to submit Annual Data Reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) during the audit period to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. We noted that the ESSER I, ESSER II and ESSER III amounts reported on the Year 3 report ($1,459,495 and $5,966,446, and $1,220,584 respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure records ($514,738 and $1,651,887 and $2,259,794, respectively), for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Additionally, we noted that the ESSER II amount reported on the Year 4 report ($395,303) did not agree to the underlying expenditure records ($1,247,686), for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. Finally, there was no formal review of the Annual Data Reports prior to their submission to the IDOE. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
Information on the federal program: Subject: Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 – Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listing Number: 84.425D, 84.425U Federal Award Numbers: S425D200013, S425D210013, S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.302(b) states in part: "The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following: (2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 Financial reporting . . . ." 34 CFR 76.722 states: "A State may require a subgrantee to submit reports in a manner and format that assists the State in complying with the requirements under 34 CFR 76.720 and in carrying out other responsibilities under the program." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Reporting compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the compliance requirements listed above. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: The School Corporation was required to submit Annual Data Reports to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) during the audit period to meet federal reporting requirements for ESSER grant awards. We noted that the ESSER I, ESSER II and ESSER III amounts reported on the Year 3 report ($1,459,495 and $5,966,446, and $1,220,584 respectively) did not agree to the underlying expenditure records ($514,738 and $1,651,887 and $2,259,794, respectively), for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Additionally, we noted that the ESSER II amount reported on the Year 4 report ($395,303) did not agree to the underlying expenditure records ($1,247,686), for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. Finally, there was no formal review of the Annual Data Reports prior to their submission to the IDOE. Identification as a repeat finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend someone other than the preparer of the report perform a documented review prior to submission to validate the accuracy and completeness of the data submitted. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FA 2024-001 Improve Controls over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Significant Deficiency Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education Assistance Listing Numbers and Titles: 84.027 – Special Education Grants to States 84.173 – Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A220073 (Year: 2022), H027A230073 (Year: 2023), H173A230081 (Year: 2023) Questioned Costs: $44,955.00 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster revealed that the School District’s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District’s procurement and suspension and debarment procedures were followed. Background Information: The Special Education Cluster (SEC), which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). SEC funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. SEC 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 local education agencies (LEAs) and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. SEC funds totaling $1,949,036.43 were expended and reported on the City of Valdosta Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2024. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish 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 200.318 – General Procurement Standards state in part that “(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and… (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.” In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 – Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state “If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.” Furthermore, Title 2 CFR Section 180.300 states in part that the non-federal entity must “verify that the entity with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You can do this by: (a) Checking System for Awards Management (SAM) exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from the entity; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity.” Lastly, the School District’s applicable purchasing policy required at least two competitive prices if the price of the “…equipment, materials, or services…” exceed $1,000.00. The Valdosta City Schools Federal Programs Procedures Manual also states, “The Program Director is responsible for archiving source documentation of each purchase, such as hard copy Purchase Order Forms, printed electronic copies of Purchase Orders, quotes, sole source documentation, and Suspension and Debarment documentation.” Condition: The School District could not provide contract files or documentation for the selection or approval of one vendor that provided a software application associated with one Special Education Cluster procurement transaction. Therefore, auditors were unable to determine if the procurement transaction complied with the School District's procurement procedures, proper oversight was maintained to ensure that contractors were performing according to their contracts, and appropriate reviews were performed to verify that vendors were not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into covered transactions. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $44,955.00 were identified for procurements that were not supported by adequate documentation. These known questioned costs related to expenditures that were not tested as part of a sample, and therefore, should not be projected to a population to determine likely questioned costs. The following Assistance Listing Number was affected by known questioned costs: 84.027. Cause: The School District’s purchasing policy that was valid when the expenditures took place was not followed due to oversight. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of federal funds and could result in the expenditure of federal funds with unqualified vendors. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement methods are properly identified and followed and required procurement and suspension and debarment documentation is properly identified, safeguarded, and retained. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating appropriately. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2024-001 Improve Controls over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Significant Deficiency Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education Assistance Listing Numbers and Titles: 84.027 – Special Education Grants to States 84.173 – Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A220073 (Year: 2022), H027A230073 (Year: 2023), H173A230081 (Year: 2023) Questioned Costs: $44,955.00 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster revealed that the School District’s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District’s procurement and suspension and debarment procedures were followed. Background Information: The Special Education Cluster (SEC), which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). SEC funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. SEC 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 local education agencies (LEAs) and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. SEC funds totaling $1,949,036.43 were expended and reported on the City of Valdosta Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2024. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish 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 200.318 – General Procurement Standards state in part that “(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and… (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.” In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 – Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state “If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.” Furthermore, Title 2 CFR Section 180.300 states in part that the non-federal entity must “verify that the entity with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You can do this by: (a) Checking System for Awards Management (SAM) exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from the entity; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity.” Lastly, the School District’s applicable purchasing policy required at least two competitive prices if the price of the “…equipment, materials, or services…” exceed $1,000.00. The Valdosta City Schools Federal Programs Procedures Manual also states, “The Program Director is responsible for archiving source documentation of each purchase, such as hard copy Purchase Order Forms, printed electronic copies of Purchase Orders, quotes, sole source documentation, and Suspension and Debarment documentation.” Condition: The School District could not provide contract files or documentation for the selection or approval of one vendor that provided a software application associated with one Special Education Cluster procurement transaction. Therefore, auditors were unable to determine if the procurement transaction complied with the School District's procurement procedures, proper oversight was maintained to ensure that contractors were performing according to their contracts, and appropriate reviews were performed to verify that vendors were not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into covered transactions. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $44,955.00 were identified for procurements that were not supported by adequate documentation. These known questioned costs related to expenditures that were not tested as part of a sample, and therefore, should not be projected to a population to determine likely questioned costs. The following Assistance Listing Number was affected by known questioned costs: 84.027. Cause: The School District’s purchasing policy that was valid when the expenditures took place was not followed due to oversight. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of federal funds and could result in the expenditure of federal funds with unqualified vendors. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement methods are properly identified and followed and required procurement and suspension and debarment documentation is properly identified, safeguarded, and retained. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating appropriately. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FA 2024-001 Improve Controls over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Significant Deficiency Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education Assistance Listing Numbers and Titles: 84.027 – Special Education Grants to States 84.173 – Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A220073 (Year: 2022), H027A230073 (Year: 2023), H173A230081 (Year: 2023) Questioned Costs: $44,955.00 Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster revealed that the School District’s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District’s procurement and suspension and debarment procedures were followed. Background Information: The Special Education Cluster (SEC), which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). SEC funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. SEC 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 local education agencies (LEAs) and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. SEC funds totaling $1,949,036.43 were expended and reported on the City of Valdosta Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2024. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish 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 200.318 – General Procurement Standards state in part that “(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and… (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.” In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 – Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state “If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources.” Furthermore, Title 2 CFR Section 180.300 states in part that the non-federal entity must “verify that the entity with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You can do this by: (a) Checking System for Awards Management (SAM) exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from the entity; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity.” Lastly, the School District’s applicable purchasing policy required at least two competitive prices if the price of the “…equipment, materials, or services…” exceed $1,000.00. The Valdosta City Schools Federal Programs Procedures Manual also states, “The Program Director is responsible for archiving source documentation of each purchase, such as hard copy Purchase Order Forms, printed electronic copies of Purchase Orders, quotes, sole source documentation, and Suspension and Debarment documentation.” Condition: The School District could not provide contract files or documentation for the selection or approval of one vendor that provided a software application associated with one Special Education Cluster procurement transaction. Therefore, auditors were unable to determine if the procurement transaction complied with the School District's procurement procedures, proper oversight was maintained to ensure that contractors were performing according to their contracts, and appropriate reviews were performed to verify that vendors were not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into covered transactions. Questioned Costs: Known questioned costs of $44,955.00 were identified for procurements that were not supported by adequate documentation. These known questioned costs related to expenditures that were not tested as part of a sample, and therefore, should not be projected to a population to determine likely questioned costs. The following Assistance Listing Number was affected by known questioned costs: 84.027. Cause: The School District’s purchasing policy that was valid when the expenditures took place was not followed due to oversight. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of federal funds and could result in the expenditure of federal funds with unqualified vendors. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement methods are properly identified and followed and required procurement and suspension and debarment documentation is properly identified, safeguarded, and retained. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating appropriately. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, 22619-043-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023 the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award numbers 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP. From the beginning of the grant awards until September 2022, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in September 2022, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through September 2022, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-043-PN01, 2611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through inquiry of Cooperative management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member school starting in September 2022, most of the grant awards had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure Cooperative compliance with earmarking requirements and the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school by the Cooperative. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, 22619-043-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023 the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award numbers 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP. From the beginning of the grant awards until September 2022, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in September 2022, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through September 2022, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-043-PN01, 2611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through inquiry of Cooperative management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member school starting in September 2022, most of the grant awards had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure Cooperative compliance with earmarking requirements and the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school by the Cooperative. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, 22619-043-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023 the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award numbers 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP. From the beginning of the grant awards until September 2022, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in September 2022, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through September 2022, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-043-PN01, 2611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through inquiry of Cooperative management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member school starting in September 2022, most of the grant awards had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure Cooperative compliance with earmarking requirements and the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school by the Cooperative. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, 22619-043-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023 the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award numbers 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP. From the beginning of the grant awards until September 2022, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in September 2022, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through September 2022, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-043-PN01, 2611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through inquiry of Cooperative management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member school starting in September 2022, most of the grant awards had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure Cooperative compliance with earmarking requirements and the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school by the Cooperative. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Earmarking Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, 22619-043-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort, Earmarking Audit Findings: Significant Deficiency, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023 the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for nonpublic school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure nonpublic school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The nonpublic expenditures spent did not meet the earmarking requirements for grant award numbers 22611-043-PN01, 22611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP. From the beginning of the grant awards until September 2022, total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the nonpublic school budgeted expenditures. Beginning in September 2022, the Cooperative began tracking expenditures by member school for the nonpublic services. As such we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to the IDOE from the beginning of the grant awards through September 2022, as required. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance was isolated to the 22611-043-PN01, 2611-043-ARP, and 22619-043-ARP grant awards. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.403 states in part: "Except where otherwise authorized by statute, costs must meet the following general criteria in order to be allowable under Federal awards: (g) Be adequately documented. . . ." 2 CFR 200.208(b) states in part: "The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed . . ." 511 IAC 7-34-7(b) states: "The public agency, in providing special education and related services to students in nonpublic schools must expend at least an amount that is the same proportion of the public agency total subgrant under 20 U.S.C. 1411(f) as the number of nonpublic school students with disabilities, who are enrolled by their parents in nonpublic schools within its boundaries, is to the total number of students with disabilities of the same age range." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 20 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Cause Through inquiry of Cooperative management, they were unaware of the requirements to track nonpublic proportionate share expenditures directly for each member school. While the Cooperative did implement new processes and procedures to ensure expenditures were tracked by member school starting in September 2022, most of the grant awards had been allocated to the member schools based on a percentage of the budget. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation was unable to ensure Cooperative compliance with earmarking requirements and the Cooperative was unable to track expenditures for nonpublic services for each member school. Consequently, the amounts requested for reimbursement were not supported by actual expenditures, but rather a percentage based on the budget per member school. Because of this, expenditures were not accurately reported to the oversight agency. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require tracking of actual nonpublic proportionate share expenditures by member school by the Cooperative. Documentation should be maintained to show how these expenditures are being tracked to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-ARP, 23611-043-PN01, 24611-043-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000; however, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold, and, therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with procurement requirements. The Cooperative did not have procedures in place to ensure compliance with procurements in excess of the SAT threshold. During 2023-2024, the Cooperative had three vendors which exceeded the SAT, and all three vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total dollar amount spent with all three vendors was $1,417,349. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues limited to 2023-2024. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance awards exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or costreimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds by the Cooperative are procured using the required methods. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used by the Cooperative for vendors that exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure the procurement methods are being followed and compliance with Procurement methods are being followed. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-ARP, 23611-043-PN01, 24611-043-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000; however, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold, and, therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with procurement requirements. The Cooperative did not have procedures in place to ensure compliance with procurements in excess of the SAT threshold. During 2023-2024, the Cooperative had three vendors which exceeded the SAT, and all three vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total dollar amount spent with all three vendors was $1,417,349. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues limited to 2023-2024. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance awards exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or costreimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds by the Cooperative are procured using the required methods. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used by the Cooperative for vendors that exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure the procurement methods are being followed and compliance with Procurement methods are being followed. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-ARP, 23611-043-PN01, 24611-043-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000; however, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold, and, therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with procurement requirements. The Cooperative did not have procedures in place to ensure compliance with procurements in excess of the SAT threshold. During 2023-2024, the Cooperative had three vendors which exceeded the SAT, and all three vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total dollar amount spent with all three vendors was $1,417,349. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues limited to 2023-2024. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance awards exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or costreimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds by the Cooperative are procured using the required methods. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used by the Cooperative for vendors that exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure the procurement methods are being followed and compliance with Procurement methods are being followed. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-004 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 22611-043-ARP, 23611-043-PN01, 24611-043-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation is a member of the Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2023-2024, the Cooperative operated the special education program and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreement was between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 21 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) When the value of the procurement for property or services exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), or a lower threshold established by a nonfederal entity, formal procurement methods are required. The SAT is typically set at $250,000; however, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold, and, therefore, the SAT threshold is set at $150,000. Formal procurement methods require adherence to documented procedures and formal methods such as sealed bids or proposals. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with procurement requirements. The Cooperative did not have procedures in place to ensure compliance with procurements in excess of the SAT threshold. During 2023-2024, the Cooperative had three vendors which exceeded the SAT, and all three vendors were tested. The Cooperative did not obtain sealed bids or competitive proposals, nor was a circumstance met that would have allowed for a noncompetitive procurement for the purchases. The total dollar amount spent with all three vendors was $1,417,349. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues limited to 2023-2024. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance awards exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate: . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 22 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions. . . . (2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or costreimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. . . ." Cause The Cooperative noted they were unaware of the procurement requirements of expenditures exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. They stated they have used the same vendors to provide professional services for several years but only recently started using federal grant award funds for the services. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the School Corporation cannot ensure the vendors paid with federal award funds by the Cooperative are procured using the required methods. Without following the required methods for procurement, the Cooperative could be overpaying for services. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation Management of the School Corporation should develop written policies and procedures which would require that appropriate procurement methods are used by the Cooperative for vendors that exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Appropriate documentation should be maintained to ensure the procurement methods are being followed and compliance with Procurement methods are being followed. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. A property record or capital asset listing is required to be maintained for all equipment, property improvements, and property purchased with the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grant awards to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to prevent loss or damage of items. The School Corporation hired a consultant to compile and provide a fixed asset report that contained all inventory and assets purchased that exceeded the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The consultant prepared the report; however, the School Corporation did not have any policies or procedures in place to review the asset listing to ensure the listing was complete. The School Corporation's capital asset listing did not include all the required asset information for assets purchased with federal awards. The following information for each asset was not included in the School Corporations capital asset listing: the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), and percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired. The School Corporation purchased five capital assets totaling $118,845.73 with ESSER III funds. Of the five assets purchased, four were not included on the asset listing. The one asset that was included in the asset listing did not list the source of the federal funding including the federal award number. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(e) states in part: "When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not develop a system of internal controls to ensure that all items over the capital asset threshold were added to the listing, the capital asset listing included all required information, and that items purchased were properly maintained and safeguarded. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information, new assets are properly added, disposals are properly documented, and any discrepancies are reconciled. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund - Equipment and Real Property Management Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: COVID-19 - Education Stabilization Fund Assistance Listings Number: 84.425U Federal Award Number and Year (or Other Identifying Numbers): S425U210013 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Equipment and Real Property Management Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 23 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-003. Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Equipment and Real Property Management compliance requirement. A property record or capital asset listing is required to be maintained for all equipment, property improvements, and property purchased with the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF) grant awards to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to prevent loss or damage of items. The School Corporation hired a consultant to compile and provide a fixed asset report that contained all inventory and assets purchased that exceeded the School Corporation's capitalization threshold. The consultant prepared the report; however, the School Corporation did not have any policies or procedures in place to review the asset listing to ensure the listing was complete. The School Corporation's capital asset listing did not include all the required asset information for assets purchased with federal awards. The following information for each asset was not included in the School Corporations capital asset listing: the source of funding for the property (including the federal award identification number (FAIN)), and percentage of federal participation in the project costs for the federal award under which the property was acquired. The School Corporation purchased five capital assets totaling $118,845.73 with ESSER III funds. Of the five assets purchased, four were not included on the asset listing. The one asset that was included in the asset listing did not list the source of the federal funding including the federal award number. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(d) states in part: ". . . (1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 24 SCHOOL CITY OF HOBART SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years. (3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated. (4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition. . . ." 2 CFR 200.313(e) states in part: "When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not develop a system of internal controls to ensure that all items over the capital asset threshold were added to the listing, the capital asset listing included all required information, and that items purchased were properly maintained and safeguarded. Effect Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the repayment of federal funds. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure asset records include all the necessary information, new assets are properly added, disposals are properly documented, and any discrepancies are reconciled. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Defense Program/Cluster: Community Economic Adjustment Assistance for Responding to Threats to the Resilience of a Military Installation Federal Assistance Listing Number: 12.003 Award No.: MIR1973-22-01 Award Year: 2023 Compliance Requirement: Matching, Level of Effort and Earmarking Type of Finding: Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance, Instance of Noncompliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. 2 CFR 200.430(g)(4) Salaries and wages of employees used in meeting cost sharing requirements on Federal awards must be supported in the same manner as salaries and wages claimed for reimbursement from Federal awards. 2 CFR 200.306(f) requires that if services furnished by a third-party organization are claimed as a cost-sharing match, these services must be valued at the employee’s regular rate of pay, plus an amount of fringe benefits that is reasonable, necessary, allocable, and otherwise allowable. Condition: We noted personnel services furnished by third-party organizations totaled $31,025 for the life of the grant, including $10,854 in fiscal year 2024. For the services furnished by third-party organizations as a local match of costs, the City valued the personnel time based on budgeted rates. The City could not provide documentation supporting the actual cost incurred by the third-party organization to support the in-kind services claimed. Cause: The City’s policies and procedures for in-kind services furnished by third-party organizations toward the grant did not include obtaining documentation to support the actual costs incurred and value of services claimed. Effect: The City did not comply with required local match of expenses for the grant. Questioned Costs: We identified questioned costs totaling $2,435 for unsubstantiated costs furnished by third-party organizations claimed as local cost share expenditures. Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of 13 out of 54 local cost share expenditures were tested. This represents $9,114 of local cost share expenditures out of a total of $46,809 incurred for fiscal year 2024. Upon further investigation, the questioned costs were isolated to contributed services furnished by third-party organizations which totaled $10,854 in the fiscal year 2024. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): No. Recommendation: We recommend the City establish policies and procedures and documentation standards to comply with the Uniform Guidance standards for documentation of personnel expenses used to meet the local share of expenses. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs with the finding. See separate corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Defense Program/Cluster: Community Economic Adjustment Assistance for Responding to Threats to the Resilience of a Military Installation Federal Assistance Listing Number: 12.003 Award No.: MIR1973-22-01 Award Year: 2023 Compliance Requirement: Procurement, Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance, Material Noncompliance Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. 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 GeneralServices Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov/SAM/, (2) collecting acertification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction withthat entity. 2 CFR 200.318(i) Procurement records. The recipient or subrecipient must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. The City’s grant policy, chapter 100 of the City’s administrative policy, section 34 states that contracts valued between $3,500 to $150,000 allow for informal procurement methods but requires that price or rate quotes must be obtained (and kept on hand for audit purposes) from an adequate number of qualified sources. 2 CFR 200.327 requires that the recipient's or subrecipient's contracts must contain the applicable provisions described in Appendix II of 2 CFR 200. Condition: During our testing of the City’s provisions for procurement requirements, we noted the following: 1)For two (2) of two (2) contracts selecting for testing there was no evidence that the Cityverified the entity was not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participatingin the transaction, prior to entering the contract. Upon our search, none of the vendorswere suspended or debarred. 2)For one (1) of two (2) contracts selected for testing with a contract value of $103,800, theCity did not document the history of the procurement, including the rationale for themethod of procurement, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and thebasis for the contract price. 3)For two (2) out of two (2) contracts selected for testing, the City did not include allapplicable provisions described in 2 CFR 200 Appendix II. Cause: The City did not follow their policy to verify the information described in the condition prior to entering the transactions. The City did not follow their policy documenting the history of the procurement, including the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, basis for contractor selection, and the basis for the contract price. The City’s policy does not include the requirement to include all applicable provisions identified in 2 CFR 200 Appendix II in its contracts. 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. Context/Sampling: We tested 100% of the procurement transactions. This represented a total of $1,323,800 in contracted services under the grant. $862,375 was paid for contracted services in fiscal year 2024. Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): 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, the history of procurement transactions is documented and retained in its official records, and that contracts include all applicable provisions of 2 CFR 200 Appendix II. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs with the finding. See separate corrective action plan.
FA 2024-001 Improve Controls over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Significant Deficiency Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 – Special Education Grants to State 84.173 – Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A220073 (Year 2023), H027A230073 (Year 2024) H173A220081 (Year 2023), H173A230081 (Year 2024) Questioned Costs: None Identified Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster revealed that the School District’s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District’s procurement and suspension and debarment procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster (SEC), which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). SEC funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them, a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. SEC 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 local education agencies (LEAs) and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. SEC funds totaling $404,087.80 were expended and reported on the Marion County Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2024. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish 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 200.318 – General Procurement Standards state in part that “(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, which reflects applicable State and local laws and regulations and… (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.” In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 – Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state “If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources…” Furthermore Title 2 CFR Section 180.300 state in part that the non-federal entity must “verify that the entity with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You can do this by: (a) Checking System for Awards Management (SAM) exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from the entity; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity.” Condition: A sample of eight procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented, and applicable compliance requirements were met. The School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations were obtained from qualified sources for one small purchase expenditure reviewed. While auditors were able to perform procedures to determine that the expenditure ultimately qualified as a sole source purchase, appropriate documentation was not maintained on file to support the rationale to limit competition. Additionally, a sample of two covered transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and if suspension and debarment requirements were met. While auditors were able to determine that the vendor associated with these transactions was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, documentation could not be provided to support the entity’s verification that the vendor was not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction as is required by the School District’s internal policies and procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that these are isolated incidents where the vendors were considered sole source because of the specialized services they provided, and as result, the procedures were not followed due to oversight. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of federal funds and could result in the expenditure of federal funds with unqualified vendors. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures in the future. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement and suspension and debarment procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating appropriately. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding
FA 2024-001 Improve Controls over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Significant Deficiency Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 – Special Education Grants to State 84.173 – Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A220073 (Year 2023), H027A230073 (Year 2024) H173A220081 (Year 2023), H173A230081 (Year 2024) Questioned Costs: None Identified Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster revealed that the School District’s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District’s procurement and suspension and debarment procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster (SEC), which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). SEC funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them, a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. SEC 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 local education agencies (LEAs) and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. SEC funds totaling $404,087.80 were expended and reported on the Marion County Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2024. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish 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 200.318 – General Procurement Standards state in part that “(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, which reflects applicable State and local laws and regulations and… (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.” In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 – Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state “If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources…” Furthermore Title 2 CFR Section 180.300 state in part that the non-federal entity must “verify that the entity with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You can do this by: (a) Checking System for Awards Management (SAM) exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from the entity; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity.” Condition: A sample of eight procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented, and applicable compliance requirements were met. The School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations were obtained from qualified sources for one small purchase expenditure reviewed. While auditors were able to perform procedures to determine that the expenditure ultimately qualified as a sole source purchase, appropriate documentation was not maintained on file to support the rationale to limit competition. Additionally, a sample of two covered transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and if suspension and debarment requirements were met. While auditors were able to determine that the vendor associated with these transactions was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, documentation could not be provided to support the entity’s verification that the vendor was not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction as is required by the School District’s internal policies and procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that these are isolated incidents where the vendors were considered sole source because of the specialized services they provided, and as result, the procedures were not followed due to oversight. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of federal funds and could result in the expenditure of federal funds with unqualified vendors. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures in the future. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement and suspension and debarment procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating appropriately. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding
FA 2024-001 Improve Controls over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Significant Deficiency Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 – Special Education Grants to State 84.173 – Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A220073 (Year 2023), H027A230073 (Year 2024) H173A220081 (Year 2023), H173A230081 (Year 2024) Questioned Costs: None Identified Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster revealed that the School District’s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District’s procurement and suspension and debarment procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster (SEC), which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). SEC funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them, a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. SEC 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 local education agencies (LEAs) and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. SEC funds totaling $404,087.80 were expended and reported on the Marion County Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2024. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish 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 200.318 – General Procurement Standards state in part that “(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, which reflects applicable State and local laws and regulations and… (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.” In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 – Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state “If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources…” Furthermore Title 2 CFR Section 180.300 state in part that the non-federal entity must “verify that the entity with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You can do this by: (a) Checking System for Awards Management (SAM) exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from the entity; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity.” Condition: A sample of eight procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented, and applicable compliance requirements were met. The School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations were obtained from qualified sources for one small purchase expenditure reviewed. While auditors were able to perform procedures to determine that the expenditure ultimately qualified as a sole source purchase, appropriate documentation was not maintained on file to support the rationale to limit competition. Additionally, a sample of two covered transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and if suspension and debarment requirements were met. While auditors were able to determine that the vendor associated with these transactions was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, documentation could not be provided to support the entity’s verification that the vendor was not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction as is required by the School District’s internal policies and procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that these are isolated incidents where the vendors were considered sole source because of the specialized services they provided, and as result, the procedures were not followed due to oversight. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of federal funds and could result in the expenditure of federal funds with unqualified vendors. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures in the future. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement and suspension and debarment procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating appropriately. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding
FA 2024-001 Improve Controls over Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Internal Control Impact: Significant Deficiency Compliance Impact: Nonmaterial Noncompliance Federal Awarding Agency: U.S Department of Education Pass-Through Entity: Georgia Department of Education AL Numbers and Titles: 84.027 – Special Education Grants to State 84.173 – Special Education Preschool Grants Federal Award Numbers: H027A220073 (Year 2023), H027A230073 (Year 2024) H173A220081 (Year 2023), H173A230081 (Year 2024) Questioned Costs: None Identified Description: A review of expenditures charged to the Special Education Cluster revealed that the School District’s internal control procedures were not operating appropriately to ensure that the School District’s procurement and suspension and debarment procedures were followed. Background: The Special Education Cluster (SEC), which is comprised of the Special Education Grants to States (IDEA, Part B) and Special Education Preschool Grants (IDEA Preschool) programs, was created by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). SEC funding is available to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them, a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living; ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected; assist states, localities, educational service agencies, and federal agencies to provide for the education of all children with disabilities; and assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate children with disabilities. SEC 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 local education agencies (LEAs) and overseeing the expenditure of funds by LEAs. SEC funds totaling $404,087.80 were expended and reported on the Marion County Board of Education’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for fiscal year 2024. Criteria: As a recipient of federal awards, the School District is required to establish 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 200.318 – General Procurement Standards state in part that “(a) the non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures, which reflects applicable State and local laws and regulations and… (b) non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.” In addition, provisions included in the Uniform Guidance, Section 200.320 – Methods of Procurement to Be Followed provide guidance for procurement through small purchase procedures and state “If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources…” Furthermore Title 2 CFR Section 180.300 state in part that the non-federal entity must “verify that the entity with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You can do this by: (a) Checking System for Awards Management (SAM) exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from the entity; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with the entity.” Condition: A sample of eight procurement transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented, and applicable compliance requirements were met. The School District could not provide evidence that an adequate number of rate or price quotations were obtained from qualified sources for one small purchase expenditure reviewed. While auditors were able to perform procedures to determine that the expenditure ultimately qualified as a sole source purchase, appropriate documentation was not maintained on file to support the rationale to limit competition. Additionally, a sample of two covered transactions was randomly selected for testing using a non-statistical sampling approach. These transactions were reviewed to determine if appropriate internal controls were implemented and if suspension and debarment requirements were met. While auditors were able to determine that the vendor associated with these transactions was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, documentation could not be provided to support the entity’s verification that the vendor was not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction as is required by the School District’s internal policies and procedures. Cause: In discussing the deficiencies with management, they stated that these are isolated incidents where the vendors were considered sole source because of the specialized services they provided, and as result, the procedures were not followed due to oversight. Effect: The School District is not in compliance with the Uniform Guidance and GaDOE guidance. Failure to appropriately implement procedures to address procurement and suspension and debarment compliance requirements exposes the School District to unnecessary risk of error and misuse of federal funds and could result in the expenditure of federal funds with unqualified vendors. In addition, this deficiency could lead to the return of grant funds associated with unallowable expenditures in the future. Recommendation: The School District should evaluate and improve internal control procedures to ensure that required procurement and suspension and debarment procedures are followed, and appropriate documentation is obtained and retained on-file. In addition, management should develop a monitoring process to ensure that these procedures are operating appropriately. Views of Responsible Officials: We concur with this finding
FINDING 2024-003 Subject: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies Assistance Listings Number: 84.010 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): S010A200014, S010A220014, S010A230014 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Other Matters Condition and Context The School Corporation did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the socioeconomic status of the students were reported properly in the Title I application. Although the grant application was prepared by the HR Coordinator and reviewed and approved by the Superintendent of Schools and Treasurer, the internal controls were not effective to ensure the students' socioeconomic status was accurately reported. Eligibility for Title I is determined on the Eligible School Summary of the Title I application. Enrollment and Poverty numbers are automatically pulled from the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE) Official Pupil Enrollment (PE) count for each school into the Eligible School Summary page of the Title I application. The counts that are prepopulated should be based on the School Corporation's records as of October of the prior fiscal year. During the audit period, the School Corporation submitted two Title I applications. The School Corporation was required to use the October 2021 Real Time Report data for the 2022-2023 Title I application and the October 2022 Real Time Report data for the 2023-2024 Title I application submitted to the IDOE. Data to be submitted included student socioeconomic status information. The school lunch software was used to verify the socioeconomic status of students reported in the Title I application. A total of 25 students were selected for testing. The socioeconomic status for 3 of the 9 students tested from the October 2021 Real Time Report data did not agree to data reported in the 2022-2023 Title I application. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were isolated to the October 2021 Real Time Report and 2022-2023 Title I application. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 18 NORTH GIBSON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.334 states in part: "Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other non-Federal entity records pertinent to a Federal award must be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for the Federal awards that are renewed quarterly or annual, from the date of submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, respectively, as reported to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in the case of a subrecipient. . . ." 34 CFR 200.78(a)(1) states: "After reserving funds, as applicable, under § 200.77, including funds for equitable services for private school students, their teachers, and their families, an LEA must allocate funds under this subpart to school attendance areas and schools, identified as eligible and selected to participate under section 1113(a) or (b) of the ESEA, in rank order on the basis of the total number of public school children from low-income families in each area or school." Cause Although the School Corporation had properly designed and implemented a system of internal controls, which included appropriate segregation of duties, it was not effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Eligibility compliance requirement. The underlying information, reviewed and approved by the Superintendent of Schools and Treasurer, was not adequate to determine the socioeconomic status of the students. Effect Without a proper system of internal controls in place that operated effectively, the School Corporation did not maintain accurate supporting documentation to support the data in the Title I application. Noncompliance with the provisions of federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 19 NORTH GIBSON SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure that adequate documentation is maintained to support the information in the Title I application. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022-2023, FY 2023-2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 13 TIPTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. There was no documented internal control in place to ensure that timely eligibility determinations were made and reviewed for eligibility determinations made via Direct Certification. Several listings of students eligible for Direct Certification were provided for audit, but there was no audit evidence provided that the information was shared and used to make timely eligibility determinations. The lack of internal controls was a systematic issue during the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not maintain a history of the eligibility determinations made via Direct Certification. Additionally, the School Corporation changed to a different point-of-sale software system starting with the current school year and had very limited access to the previous point-of-sale system. Lastly, the School Corporation had changes in staff responsible for making the eligibility determinations during the audit period. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system places the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could also allow noncompliance with compliance requirements and allow the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the program. This could result in incorrect eligibility determinations. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 14 TIPTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate, approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The School Corporation should retain documentation to show evidence that eligibility determinations were performed and internal controls were in place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022-2023, FY 2023-2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 13 TIPTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. There was no documented internal control in place to ensure that timely eligibility determinations were made and reviewed for eligibility determinations made via Direct Certification. Several listings of students eligible for Direct Certification were provided for audit, but there was no audit evidence provided that the information was shared and used to make timely eligibility determinations. The lack of internal controls was a systematic issue during the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not maintain a history of the eligibility determinations made via Direct Certification. Additionally, the School Corporation changed to a different point-of-sale software system starting with the current school year and had very limited access to the previous point-of-sale system. Lastly, the School Corporation had changes in staff responsible for making the eligibility determinations during the audit period. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system places the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could also allow noncompliance with compliance requirements and allow the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the program. This could result in incorrect eligibility determinations. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 14 TIPTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate, approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The School Corporation should retain documentation to show evidence that eligibility determinations were performed and internal controls were in place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022-2023, FY 2023-2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 13 TIPTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. There was no documented internal control in place to ensure that timely eligibility determinations were made and reviewed for eligibility determinations made via Direct Certification. Several listings of students eligible for Direct Certification were provided for audit, but there was no audit evidence provided that the information was shared and used to make timely eligibility determinations. The lack of internal controls was a systematic issue during the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not maintain a history of the eligibility determinations made via Direct Certification. Additionally, the School Corporation changed to a different point-of-sale software system starting with the current school year and had very limited access to the previous point-of-sale system. Lastly, the School Corporation had changes in staff responsible for making the eligibility determinations during the audit period. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system places the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could also allow noncompliance with compliance requirements and allow the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the program. This could result in incorrect eligibility determinations. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 14 TIPTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate, approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The School Corporation should retain documentation to show evidence that eligibility determinations were performed and internal controls were in place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-001 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Eligibility Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 2022-2023, FY 2023-2024 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Eligibility Audit Finding: Material Weakness INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 13 TIPTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Condition and Context An effective internal control system, which would include segregation of duties, was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the Eligibility compliance requirement. There was no documented internal control in place to ensure that timely eligibility determinations were made and reviewed for eligibility determinations made via Direct Certification. Several listings of students eligible for Direct Certification were provided for audit, but there was no audit evidence provided that the information was shared and used to make timely eligibility determinations. The lack of internal controls was a systematic issue during the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Cause The School Corporation did not maintain a history of the eligibility determinations made via Direct Certification. Additionally, the School Corporation changed to a different point-of-sale software system starting with the current school year and had very limited access to the previous point-of-sale system. Lastly, the School Corporation had changes in staff responsible for making the eligibility determinations during the audit period. Effect The failure to establish an effective internal control system places the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could also allow noncompliance with compliance requirements and allow the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the program. This could result in incorrect eligibility determinations. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 14 TIPTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Recommendation We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls, including segregation of duties, related to the grant agreement and compliance requirements listed above. An internal control system, including segregation of duties, should be designed and operate effectively to provide reasonable assurance that material noncompliance with the grant agreement or a compliance requirement of a federal program will be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. In order to have an effective internal control system, it is important to have proper segregation of duties. This is accomplished by making sure proper oversight, reviews, and approvals take place and to have a separation of functions over certain activities related to the program. The fundamental premise of segregation of duties is that an individual or small group of individuals should not be in a position to initiate, approve, undertake, and review the same activity. The School Corporation should retain documentation to show evidence that eligibility determinations were performed and internal controls were in place. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
FINDING 2024-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the cash management compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During the testing of claim reimbursements, we noted for two monthly reimbursements in a sample of six claims that the claim reimbursements were not being reviewed by an independent individual before being submitted to IDOE. In March 2023, the School Corporation implemented a review control over the monthly claim reimbursement. The lack of controls was isolated to the period of July 2022 through February 2023 during fiscal year 2023. For all six claims tested, we agreed the number of meals claimed for reimbursement to underlying meal system reports without exception. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Yes. See Finding 2022-003 in the prior period audit report. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management continue to review internal controls surrounding the claim reimbursement process. The secondary, documented review of the request for reimbursement should include a review of the underlying meal count reports to ensure the claim reimbursement request is accurate and complete. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the cash management compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During the testing of claim reimbursements, we noted for two monthly reimbursements in a sample of six claims that the claim reimbursements were not being reviewed by an independent individual before being submitted to IDOE. In March 2023, the School Corporation implemented a review control over the monthly claim reimbursement. The lack of controls was isolated to the period of July 2022 through February 2023 during fiscal year 2023. For all six claims tested, we agreed the number of meals claimed for reimbursement to underlying meal system reports without exception. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Yes. See Finding 2022-003 in the prior period audit report. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management continue to review internal controls surrounding the claim reimbursement process. The secondary, documented review of the request for reimbursement should include a review of the underlying meal count reports to ensure the claim reimbursement request is accurate and complete. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2024-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Reporting Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Program: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program Assistance Listing Number: 10.553, 10.555 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY2023 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." Condition: An effective internal control system was not in place at the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with requirements related to the grant agreement and the cash management compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the reporting requirements. Effect: The failure to establish an effective internal control system placed the School Corporation at risk of noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirements. A lack of segregation of duties within an internal control system could have also allowed noncompliance with the compliance requirements and allowed the misuse and mismanagement of federal funds and assets by not having proper oversight, reviews, and approvals over the activities of the programs. Questioned Costs: There were no questioned costs identified. Context: During the testing of claim reimbursements, we noted for two monthly reimbursements in a sample of six claims that the claim reimbursements were not being reviewed by an independent individual before being submitted to IDOE. In March 2023, the School Corporation implemented a review control over the monthly claim reimbursement. The lack of controls was isolated to the period of July 2022 through February 2023 during fiscal year 2023. For all six claims tested, we agreed the number of meals claimed for reimbursement to underlying meal system reports without exception. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: Yes. See Finding 2022-003 in the prior period audit report. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management continue to review internal controls surrounding the claim reimbursement process. The secondary, documented review of the request for reimbursement should include a review of the underlying meal count reports to ensure the claim reimbursement request is accurate and complete. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.