Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 21 .027, Department the of the Treasury, COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF) Federal Award Identification Number and Year- N/A Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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). Condition - The payroll costs that were reported as incurred on four CSLFRF projects were incorrect in the performance report submitted for the period from October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (Quarter 4). Questioned Costs - N/A Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - In our sample of two performance reports selected for testing, we noted one instance where certain information reported did not agree to the general ledger and underlying records. Cause and Effect - The City's controls were not adequate to ensure that underlying data for reports was consistently accumulated. The payroll data for the report submitted for the period from July 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022 (Quarter 3) was accumulated from the payroll system and appropriately reflected the payroll costs. The general ledger at the time did not yet fully reflect transactions due to timing. For Quarter 4, the City accumulated the payroll costs based on the general ledger, and, as a result, certain costs reported in Quarter 3 were reported again in the Quarter 4. The Quarter 4 report was overstated by $21,670. Recommendation - We recommend the City implement a process to ensure that reports are completed based on a consistent methodology and a detail review be performed to ensure accuracy. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - The City will implement additional controls to ensure that the quarterly Treasury reports align with the expenses stated on the general ledger.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 14.241, Department of Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) and COVID-19 HOPWA Federal Award Identification Number and Year - MIH20-FHW001, MIH20-F001, MIH21- F001, MIH22-F001 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - Yes 2022-007 Criteria - Per 24 CFR 574.310, except for persons in short-term supportive housing, each person receiving rental assistance under the HOPWA program must pay as rent the higher of (1) 30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted gross income; (2) 10 percent of the family's monthly gross income; or (3) the portion of the payments that is designated if the family is receiving payments for welfare assistance from a public agency and a part of the payments, adjusted in accordance with the family's actual housing costs, that is specifically designated by the agency to meet the family's housing costs. Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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 the 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 - In conjunction with eligibility testing, instances of noncompliance specific to the rental assistance calculation and distribution of benefits were identified. Questioned Costs - $3,022 Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - Questioned costs reflect the gross overpayments. See context below for instances of benefits being overpaid. Context - During eligibility testing of a sample of 60, we noted the following: • A lack of effective supervisory review of the annual certification process and calculation of benefits resulted in one instance of benefits being overpaid by $176 and four instances of benefits being underpaid by $221 based on income and family size. • A lack of effective supervisory review over the distribution of benefits throughout the benefit agreement period resulted in two instances of an overpayment of benefits by $2,846 and one instances of an underpayment of benefits by $10. Cause and Effect - The lack of adequate controls in the form of detailed reviews over the calculation and payment of rental assistance, based on the requirements of 24 CFR 574.310, resulted in both overpayments and underpayments of rental assistance to beneficiaries. Recommendation - We recommend the City review its procedures and controls specific to the calculation and distribution of rental assistance and make modifications as necessary to ensure that inputs of the calculation are reviewed for completeness and accuracy and that the payments are consistent with the calculation prior to finalizing the benefit agreements and communicating the same to the participant. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - City of Detroit HOPWA program has a dedicated quality coordinator position. The coordinator will continue to work closely with the HOPWA program team and conduct regular file audits. The HOPWA program team has also implemented additional steps, including the use of eligibility templates to help ensure accurate rental assistance calculations.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 14.241, Department of Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) and COVID-19 HOPWA Federal Award Identification Number and Year - MIH20-FHW001, MIH20-F001, MIH21- F001, MIH22-F001 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - Yes 2022-007 Criteria - Per 24 CFR 574.310, except for persons in short-term supportive housing, each person receiving rental assistance under the HOPWA program must pay as rent the higher of (1) 30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted gross income; (2) 10 percent of the family's monthly gross income; or (3) the portion of the payments that is designated if the family is receiving payments for welfare assistance from a public agency and a part of the payments, adjusted in accordance with the family's actual housing costs, that is specifically designated by the agency to meet the family's housing costs. Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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 the 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 - In conjunction with eligibility testing, instances of noncompliance specific to the rental assistance calculation and distribution of benefits were identified. Questioned Costs - $3,022 Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - Questioned costs reflect the gross overpayments. See context below for instances of benefits being overpaid. Context - During eligibility testing of a sample of 60, we noted the following: • A lack of effective supervisory review of the annual certification process and calculation of benefits resulted in one instance of benefits being overpaid by $176 and four instances of benefits being underpaid by $221 based on income and family size. • A lack of effective supervisory review over the distribution of benefits throughout the benefit agreement period resulted in two instances of an overpayment of benefits by $2,846 and one instances of an underpayment of benefits by $10. Cause and Effect - The lack of adequate controls in the form of detailed reviews over the calculation and payment of rental assistance, based on the requirements of 24 CFR 574.310, resulted in both overpayments and underpayments of rental assistance to beneficiaries. Recommendation - We recommend the City review its procedures and controls specific to the calculation and distribution of rental assistance and make modifications as necessary to ensure that inputs of the calculation are reviewed for completeness and accuracy and that the payments are consistent with the calculation prior to finalizing the benefit agreements and communicating the same to the participant. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - City of Detroit HOPWA program has a dedicated quality coordinator position. The coordinator will continue to work closely with the HOPWA program team and conduct regular file audits. The HOPWA program team has also implemented additional steps, including the use of eligibility templates to help ensure accurate rental assistance calculations.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 14.241, Department of Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) and COVID-19 HOPWA Federal Award Identification Number and Year - MIH20-FHW001, MIH20-F001, MIH21- F001, MIH22-F001 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - Yes 2022-007 Criteria - Per 24 CFR 574.310, except for persons in short-term supportive housing, each person receiving rental assistance under the HOPWA program must pay as rent the higher of (1) 30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted gross income; (2) 10 percent of the family's monthly gross income; or (3) the portion of the payments that is designated if the family is receiving payments for welfare assistance from a public agency and a part of the payments, adjusted in accordance with the family's actual housing costs, that is specifically designated by the agency to meet the family's housing costs. Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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 the 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 - In conjunction with eligibility testing, instances of noncompliance specific to the rental assistance calculation and distribution of benefits were identified. Questioned Costs - $3,022 Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - Questioned costs reflect the gross overpayments. See context below for instances of benefits being overpaid. Context - During eligibility testing of a sample of 60, we noted the following: • A lack of effective supervisory review of the annual certification process and calculation of benefits resulted in one instance of benefits being overpaid by $176 and four instances of benefits being underpaid by $221 based on income and family size. • A lack of effective supervisory review over the distribution of benefits throughout the benefit agreement period resulted in two instances of an overpayment of benefits by $2,846 and one instances of an underpayment of benefits by $10. Cause and Effect - The lack of adequate controls in the form of detailed reviews over the calculation and payment of rental assistance, based on the requirements of 24 CFR 574.310, resulted in both overpayments and underpayments of rental assistance to beneficiaries. Recommendation - We recommend the City review its procedures and controls specific to the calculation and distribution of rental assistance and make modifications as necessary to ensure that inputs of the calculation are reviewed for completeness and accuracy and that the payments are consistent with the calculation prior to finalizing the benefit agreements and communicating the same to the participant. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - City of Detroit HOPWA program has a dedicated quality coordinator position. The coordinator will continue to work closely with the HOPWA program team and conduct regular file audits. The HOPWA program team has also implemented additional steps, including the use of eligibility templates to help ensure accurate rental assistance calculations.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 14.241, Department of Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) and COVID-19 HOPWA Federal Award Identification Number and Year - MIH20-FHW001, MIH20-F001, MIH21- F001, MIH22-F001 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - Yes 2022-007 Criteria - Per 24 CFR 574.310, except for persons in short-term supportive housing, each person receiving rental assistance under the HOPWA program must pay as rent the higher of (1) 30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted gross income; (2) 10 percent of the family's monthly gross income; or (3) the portion of the payments that is designated if the family is receiving payments for welfare assistance from a public agency and a part of the payments, adjusted in accordance with the family's actual housing costs, that is specifically designated by the agency to meet the family's housing costs. Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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 the 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 - In conjunction with eligibility testing, instances of noncompliance specific to the rental assistance calculation and distribution of benefits were identified. Questioned Costs - $3,022 Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - Questioned costs reflect the gross overpayments. See context below for instances of benefits being overpaid. Context - During eligibility testing of a sample of 60, we noted the following: • A lack of effective supervisory review of the annual certification process and calculation of benefits resulted in one instance of benefits being overpaid by $176 and four instances of benefits being underpaid by $221 based on income and family size. • A lack of effective supervisory review over the distribution of benefits throughout the benefit agreement period resulted in two instances of an overpayment of benefits by $2,846 and one instances of an underpayment of benefits by $10. Cause and Effect - The lack of adequate controls in the form of detailed reviews over the calculation and payment of rental assistance, based on the requirements of 24 CFR 574.310, resulted in both overpayments and underpayments of rental assistance to beneficiaries. Recommendation - We recommend the City review its procedures and controls specific to the calculation and distribution of rental assistance and make modifications as necessary to ensure that inputs of the calculation are reviewed for completeness and accuracy and that the payments are consistent with the calculation prior to finalizing the benefit agreements and communicating the same to the participant. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - City of Detroit HOPWA program has a dedicated quality coordinator position. The coordinator will continue to work closely with the HOPWA program team and conduct regular file audits. The HOPWA program team has also implemented additional steps, including the use of eligibility templates to help ensure accurate rental assistance calculations.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 14.241, Department of Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) and COVID-19 HOPWA Federal Award Identification Number and Year - MIH20-FHW001, MIH20-F001, MIH21- F001, MIH22-F001 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Under 0MB Number 2506-40110-C, on an annual basis, HOPWA formula grantees are required to submit a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) demonstrating essential information on grant activities, project sponsors, housing sites, units and households, and beneficiaries. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b), the nonfederal entity must maintain a financial management system that provides records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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 the guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government," issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition - The controls in place were not adequate to ensure that amounts reported within the CAPER were accurate and complete in relation to activity reported in the general ledger and underlying records of the City. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - Management has a process in place to compile beneficiary headcounts, rental assistance, and other costs for reporting within the CAPER; however, management did not maintain the underlying records to support the amounts and expenditures reported in the CAPER submitted for program year ended June 30, 2023. Where we were able to perform procedures to reconcile to the beneficiary headcount, we identified approximately $3.9 million of expenditures reported within the CAPER was understated by approximately $300,000 in relation to the amounts reported in the general ledger. Cause and Effect - Not maintaining the underlying records and supporting documentation may lead to inaccurate information being reported to the funder and could perhaps inappropriately influence subsequent decisions. Recommendation - We recommend the City implement a system of internal controls to ensure that records used in reporting information to the funding agency are retained in support of the amounts and that supervisory review over those inputs are in place. Additionally, we recommend the City reconcile the books and records timely to ensure accurate and complete reporting of program activity. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - The City will review its current process and implement additional reporting controls, including verification of expenditures, retention of supporting documentation, and a timely final reconciliation of the CAPER to the general ledger.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 14.241, Department of Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) and COVID-19 HOPWA Federal Award Identification Number and Year - MIH20-FHW001, MIH20-F001, MIH21- F001, MIH22-F001 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Under 0MB Number 2506-40110-C, on an annual basis, HOPWA formula grantees are required to submit a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) demonstrating essential information on grant activities, project sponsors, housing sites, units and households, and beneficiaries. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b), the nonfederal entity must maintain a financial management system that provides records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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 the guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government," issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition - The controls in place were not adequate to ensure that amounts reported within the CAPER were accurate and complete in relation to activity reported in the general ledger and underlying records of the City. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - Management has a process in place to compile beneficiary headcounts, rental assistance, and other costs for reporting within the CAPER; however, management did not maintain the underlying records to support the amounts and expenditures reported in the CAPER submitted for program year ended June 30, 2023. Where we were able to perform procedures to reconcile to the beneficiary headcount, we identified approximately $3.9 million of expenditures reported within the CAPER was understated by approximately $300,000 in relation to the amounts reported in the general ledger. Cause and Effect - Not maintaining the underlying records and supporting documentation may lead to inaccurate information being reported to the funder and could perhaps inappropriately influence subsequent decisions. Recommendation - We recommend the City implement a system of internal controls to ensure that records used in reporting information to the funding agency are retained in support of the amounts and that supervisory review over those inputs are in place. Additionally, we recommend the City reconcile the books and records timely to ensure accurate and complete reporting of program activity. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - The City will review its current process and implement additional reporting controls, including verification of expenditures, retention of supporting documentation, and a timely final reconciliation of the CAPER to the general ledger.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 14.241, Department of Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) and COVID-19 HOPWA Federal Award Identification Number and Year - MIH20-FHW001, MIH20-F001, MIH21- F001, MIH22-F001 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Under 0MB Number 2506-40110-C, on an annual basis, HOPWA formula grantees are required to submit a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) demonstrating essential information on grant activities, project sponsors, housing sites, units and households, and beneficiaries. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b), the nonfederal entity must maintain a financial management system that provides records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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 the guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government," issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition - The controls in place were not adequate to ensure that amounts reported within the CAPER were accurate and complete in relation to activity reported in the general ledger and underlying records of the City. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - Management has a process in place to compile beneficiary headcounts, rental assistance, and other costs for reporting within the CAPER; however, management did not maintain the underlying records to support the amounts and expenditures reported in the CAPER submitted for program year ended June 30, 2023. Where we were able to perform procedures to reconcile to the beneficiary headcount, we identified approximately $3.9 million of expenditures reported within the CAPER was understated by approximately $300,000 in relation to the amounts reported in the general ledger. Cause and Effect - Not maintaining the underlying records and supporting documentation may lead to inaccurate information being reported to the funder and could perhaps inappropriately influence subsequent decisions. Recommendation - We recommend the City implement a system of internal controls to ensure that records used in reporting information to the funding agency are retained in support of the amounts and that supervisory review over those inputs are in place. Additionally, we recommend the City reconcile the books and records timely to ensure accurate and complete reporting of program activity. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - The City will review its current process and implement additional reporting controls, including verification of expenditures, retention of supporting documentation, and a timely final reconciliation of the CAPER to the general ledger.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 14.241, Department of Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) and COVID-19 HOPWA Federal Award Identification Number and Year - MIH20-FHW001, MIH20-F001, MIH21- F001, MIH22-F001 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Under 0MB Number 2506-40110-C, on an annual basis, HOPWA formula grantees are required to submit a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) demonstrating essential information on grant activities, project sponsors, housing sites, units and households, and beneficiaries. Per 2 CFR 200.302(b), the nonfederal entity must maintain a financial management system that provides records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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 the guidance in "Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government," issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, or the "Internal Control Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Condition - The controls in place were not adequate to ensure that amounts reported within the CAPER were accurate and complete in relation to activity reported in the general ledger and underlying records of the City. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - Management has a process in place to compile beneficiary headcounts, rental assistance, and other costs for reporting within the CAPER; however, management did not maintain the underlying records to support the amounts and expenditures reported in the CAPER submitted for program year ended June 30, 2023. Where we were able to perform procedures to reconcile to the beneficiary headcount, we identified approximately $3.9 million of expenditures reported within the CAPER was understated by approximately $300,000 in relation to the amounts reported in the general ledger. Cause and Effect - Not maintaining the underlying records and supporting documentation may lead to inaccurate information being reported to the funder and could perhaps inappropriately influence subsequent decisions. Recommendation - We recommend the City implement a system of internal controls to ensure that records used in reporting information to the funding agency are retained in support of the amounts and that supervisory review over those inputs are in place. Additionally, we recommend the City reconcile the books and records timely to ensure accurate and complete reporting of program activity. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - The City will review its current process and implement additional reporting controls, including verification of expenditures, retention of supporting documentation, and a timely final reconciliation of the CAPER to the general ledger.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 14.218, Department of Housing and Urban Development, CDBG Entitlement Grants Cluster - Community Development Block Grant/Entitlement Grants (CDBG) 14.241, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With Aids (HOPWA) 14.905, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program (Lead) Federal Award Identification Number and Year - CDBG - B-22-MC-26-0006 HOPWA - MIH22F001 Lead - MILNG0007-19, and MILHB0682-18 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), nonfederal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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). Per 2 CFR 200.403(9), costs must be adequately documented. Condition - The City duplicated costs charged to certain grants. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - Refer to context below Context - In conjunction with the year-end close process, the City manually reviews invoices received subsequent to year end and identifies amounts to be accrued. These amounts are accrued via manual journal entries posted to period 13. As this is a period 13 entry, the amounts automatically reverse in the new year. During this process, the City duplicated costs to be accrued in the amount of $12,300 under ALN 14.218 (CDBG), $327,709 under ALN 14.241 (HOPWA), and $235,911 under ALN 14.905 (Lead). Despite being accrued, the City did not request reimbursement for these costs, as reimbursement is only requested after expenses are paid. Upon identification of the error, the City reduced the amounts reported on the schedule of expenditures of federal awards (SEFA) by the amounts noted above. Cause and Effect - The City's control regarding the year-end close process did not identify that certain costs accrued were duplicated. As a result, the initial SEFA provided to the auditors was overstated by these costs. The City excluded the duplicate costs from the final SEFA. Recommendation - We recommend the City review its processes and controls to ensure that the preparation and review of journal entries to accrue for costs include a review for duplicate costs. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan - The City will review its journal entry controls and processes to help ensure journal entries are posted accurately and implement a review for duplicate costs.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 14.218, Department of Housing and Urban Development, CDBG Entitlement Grants Cluster - Community Development Block Grant/Entitlement Grants (CDBG) 14.241, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With Aids (HOPWA) 14.905, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program (Lead) Federal Award Identification Number and Year - CDBG - B-22-MC-26-0006 HOPWA - MIH22F001 Lead - MILNG0007-19, and MILHB0682-18 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), nonfederal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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). Per 2 CFR 200.403(9), costs must be adequately documented. Condition - The City duplicated costs charged to certain grants. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - Refer to context below Context - In conjunction with the year-end close process, the City manually reviews invoices received subsequent to year end and identifies amounts to be accrued. These amounts are accrued via manual journal entries posted to period 13. As this is a period 13 entry, the amounts automatically reverse in the new year. During this process, the City duplicated costs to be accrued in the amount of $12,300 under ALN 14.218 (CDBG), $327,709 under ALN 14.241 (HOPWA), and $235,911 under ALN 14.905 (Lead). Despite being accrued, the City did not request reimbursement for these costs, as reimbursement is only requested after expenses are paid. Upon identification of the error, the City reduced the amounts reported on the schedule of expenditures of federal awards (SEFA) by the amounts noted above. Cause and Effect - The City's control regarding the year-end close process did not identify that certain costs accrued were duplicated. As a result, the initial SEFA provided to the auditors was overstated by these costs. The City excluded the duplicate costs from the final SEFA. Recommendation - We recommend the City review its processes and controls to ensure that the preparation and review of journal entries to accrue for costs include a review for duplicate costs. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan - The City will review its journal entry controls and processes to help ensure journal entries are posted accurately and implement a review for duplicate costs.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 14.218, Department of Housing and Urban Development, CDBG Entitlement Grants Cluster - Community Development Block Grant/Entitlement Grants (CDBG) 14.241, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With Aids (HOPWA) 14.905, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program (Lead) Federal Award Identification Number and Year - CDBG - B-22-MC-26-0006 HOPWA - MIH22F001 Lead - MILNG0007-19, and MILHB0682-18 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), nonfederal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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). Per 2 CFR 200.403(9), costs must be adequately documented. Condition - The City duplicated costs charged to certain grants. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - Refer to context below Context - In conjunction with the year-end close process, the City manually reviews invoices received subsequent to year end and identifies amounts to be accrued. These amounts are accrued via manual journal entries posted to period 13. As this is a period 13 entry, the amounts automatically reverse in the new year. During this process, the City duplicated costs to be accrued in the amount of $12,300 under ALN 14.218 (CDBG), $327,709 under ALN 14.241 (HOPWA), and $235,911 under ALN 14.905 (Lead). Despite being accrued, the City did not request reimbursement for these costs, as reimbursement is only requested after expenses are paid. Upon identification of the error, the City reduced the amounts reported on the schedule of expenditures of federal awards (SEFA) by the amounts noted above. Cause and Effect - The City's control regarding the year-end close process did not identify that certain costs accrued were duplicated. As a result, the initial SEFA provided to the auditors was overstated by these costs. The City excluded the duplicate costs from the final SEFA. Recommendation - We recommend the City review its processes and controls to ensure that the preparation and review of journal entries to accrue for costs include a review for duplicate costs. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan - The City will review its journal entry controls and processes to help ensure journal entries are posted accurately and implement a review for duplicate costs.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - 14.218, Department of Housing and Urban Development, CDBG Entitlement Grants Cluster - Community Development Block Grant/Entitlement Grants (CDBG) 14.241, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Housing Opportunities for Persons With Aids (HOPWA) 14.905, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program (Lead) Federal Award Identification Number and Year - CDBG - B-22-MC-26-0006 HOPWA - MIH22F001 Lead - MILNG0007-19, and MILHB0682-18 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness and material noncompliance with laws and regulations Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), nonfederal entities must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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). Per 2 CFR 200.403(9), costs must be adequately documented. Condition - The City duplicated costs charged to certain grants. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - Refer to context below Context - In conjunction with the year-end close process, the City manually reviews invoices received subsequent to year end and identifies amounts to be accrued. These amounts are accrued via manual journal entries posted to period 13. As this is a period 13 entry, the amounts automatically reverse in the new year. During this process, the City duplicated costs to be accrued in the amount of $12,300 under ALN 14.218 (CDBG), $327,709 under ALN 14.241 (HOPWA), and $235,911 under ALN 14.905 (Lead). Despite being accrued, the City did not request reimbursement for these costs, as reimbursement is only requested after expenses are paid. Upon identification of the error, the City reduced the amounts reported on the schedule of expenditures of federal awards (SEFA) by the amounts noted above. Cause and Effect - The City's control regarding the year-end close process did not identify that certain costs accrued were duplicated. As a result, the initial SEFA provided to the auditors was overstated by these costs. The City excluded the duplicate costs from the final SEFA. Recommendation - We recommend the City review its processes and controls to ensure that the preparation and review of journal entries to accrue for costs include a review for duplicate costs. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan - The City will review its journal entry controls and processes to help ensure journal entries are posted accurately and implement a review for duplicate costs.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 14.905, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program Federal Award Identification Number and Year - MILHD0487-22, MILNG00007-19, MILHB0682-18, program years 2022, 2019, and 2018 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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). Additionally, per 2 CFR 200.303(b), the nonfederal entity must comply with the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition - Certain controls in place did not operate effectively specific to eligibility, earmarking, and reporting compliance requirements. Certain controls in place were not effective either because of design flaws or due to the lack of fully implemented controls. Our testing revealed that control design flaws existed and certain controls did not operate effectively during the fiscal year. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - Controls must be designed effectively in order to be effective. The controls in place for eligibility and earmarking were not designed effectively. For the year ended June 30, 2023, the controls were neither designed to ensure supervisory review and approval of applicants' eligibility nor designed to ensure at least 90 percent of the total number of owner-occupied units assisted have a child occupant under six years of age. Additionally, controls did not operate effectively to ensure that performance reports submitted agreed to underlying records and/or supporting documentation. For one of the three reports selected for testing, the City overstated the number of units that received evaluations based on the underlying support. The report indicated 19 units received evaluations, while the underlying support showed 10 units. Cause and Effect - Without adequate controls in place over eligibility determinations and earmarking, ineligible participants could receive program benefits or the City could exceed the 10 percent allowance to provide support for applicants who do not have a child under the age of six, resulting in disallowed costs. Inadequate controls in place over reporting could result in noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the award and could lead to inappropriate decision-making. Recommendation - We recommend the City maintain on file all terms and conditions outlined by the funding agency. Additionally, we recommend the City review the controls in place for the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program to ensure that controls are designed effectively and implemented to address the risks of noncompliance identified by the City. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - The City will review its processes and implement additional controls and the required review of eligibility approval is in place and all supporting documentation is stored and maintained.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 14.905, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program Federal Award Identification Number and Year - MILHD0487-22, MILNG00007-19, MILHB0682-18, program years 2022, 2019, and 2018 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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). Additionally, per 2 CFR 200.303(b), the nonfederal entity must comply with the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition - Certain controls in place did not operate effectively specific to eligibility, earmarking, and reporting compliance requirements. Certain controls in place were not effective either because of design flaws or due to the lack of fully implemented controls. Our testing revealed that control design flaws existed and certain controls did not operate effectively during the fiscal year. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - Controls must be designed effectively in order to be effective. The controls in place for eligibility and earmarking were not designed effectively. For the year ended June 30, 2023, the controls were neither designed to ensure supervisory review and approval of applicants' eligibility nor designed to ensure at least 90 percent of the total number of owner-occupied units assisted have a child occupant under six years of age. Additionally, controls did not operate effectively to ensure that performance reports submitted agreed to underlying records and/or supporting documentation. For one of the three reports selected for testing, the City overstated the number of units that received evaluations based on the underlying support. The report indicated 19 units received evaluations, while the underlying support showed 10 units. Cause and Effect - Without adequate controls in place over eligibility determinations and earmarking, ineligible participants could receive program benefits or the City could exceed the 10 percent allowance to provide support for applicants who do not have a child under the age of six, resulting in disallowed costs. Inadequate controls in place over reporting could result in noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the award and could lead to inappropriate decision-making. Recommendation - We recommend the City maintain on file all terms and conditions outlined by the funding agency. Additionally, we recommend the City review the controls in place for the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program to ensure that controls are designed effectively and implemented to address the risks of noncompliance identified by the City. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - The City will review its processes and implement additional controls and the required review of eligibility approval is in place and all supporting documentation is stored and maintained.
Assistance Listing Number, Federal Agency, and Program Name - ALN 14.905, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program Federal Award Identification Number and Year - MILHD0487-22, MILNG00007-19, MILHB0682-18, program years 2022, 2019, and 2018 Pass-through Entity - N/A Finding Type - Material weakness Repeat Finding - No Criteria - Per 2 CFR 200.303(a), the nonfederal entity must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the nonfederal 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). Additionally, per 2 CFR 200.303(b), the nonfederal entity must comply with the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. Condition - Certain controls in place did not operate effectively specific to eligibility, earmarking, and reporting compliance requirements. Certain controls in place were not effective either because of design flaws or due to the lack of fully implemented controls. Our testing revealed that control design flaws existed and certain controls did not operate effectively during the fiscal year. Questioned Costs - None Identification of How Questioned Costs Were Computed - N/A Context - Controls must be designed effectively in order to be effective. The controls in place for eligibility and earmarking were not designed effectively. For the year ended June 30, 2023, the controls were neither designed to ensure supervisory review and approval of applicants' eligibility nor designed to ensure at least 90 percent of the total number of owner-occupied units assisted have a child occupant under six years of age. Additionally, controls did not operate effectively to ensure that performance reports submitted agreed to underlying records and/or supporting documentation. For one of the three reports selected for testing, the City overstated the number of units that received evaluations based on the underlying support. The report indicated 19 units received evaluations, while the underlying support showed 10 units. Cause and Effect - Without adequate controls in place over eligibility determinations and earmarking, ineligible participants could receive program benefits or the City could exceed the 10 percent allowance to provide support for applicants who do not have a child under the age of six, resulting in disallowed costs. Inadequate controls in place over reporting could result in noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the award and could lead to inappropriate decision-making. Recommendation - We recommend the City maintain on file all terms and conditions outlined by the funding agency. Additionally, we recommend the City review the controls in place for the Lead Hazard Reduction Demonstration Grant Program to ensure that controls are designed effectively and implemented to address the risks of noncompliance identified by the City. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions - The City will review its processes and implement additional controls and the required review of eligibility approval is in place and all supporting documentation is stored and maintained.
Program Information Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services Federal Agency: Student Financial Assistance Cluster, Research and Development Cluster Federal Programs: 84.033 Federal Work-Study Program, 93.243 Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs, and 93.855 Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Pass-through entity(ies): None Federal Award Year: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Criteria or Requirement Title 2, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200 (2 CRF 200), Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award, (Subpart E, Section 200.403), requires that charges to federal awards for salaries and wages be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Per chapter 2, Volume 6, of the 2022-2023 Federal Student Aid Handbook, institutions must maintain adequate timesheets or records of hours worked for Federal Work Study (FWS) students. Students working for your school must have their timesheets certified by either their supervisor or an official at the school. Students working in off-campus jobs must have their timesheets certified by an official at the off-campus site Title 200 part 2 CFR 200.303 states that the Institution, as a federal grant recipient, must “establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition found, including facts that support the deficiency identified in the finding and information to provide proper perspective for judging the prevalence and consequences of the finding For 3 of 80 payroll transactions selected for testing, the engagement team identified that the timesheet did not contain evidence of approval by the supervisor/manager. Cause and Possible Asserted Effect The University did not have sufficient controls over approval of time worked. As a result, expenditures may be charged to federal grants for time that was not worked. Identification of questioned costs and how they were computed None Sample statistically valid The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding from prior year The audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the University strengthen its controls over timekeeping approvals of all employee timesheets, in order to ensure that payroll expenditures charged to the program are allowable. Views on responsible officials Pacific University acknowledges the importance of an effective control environment. The University’s policies do currently require approval of all timesheets; therefore, management will re-emphasize the importance of this approval control, including review of supervisor compliance with this approval requirement, and follow-up with supervisors who may not be meeting requirements. Additionally, management will begin offering mandatory annual training for all supervisors overseeing Federal Work Study students.
Program Information Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services Federal Agency: Student Financial Assistance Cluster, Research and Development Cluster Federal Programs: 84.033 Federal Work-Study Program, 93.243 Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs, and 93.855 Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Pass-through entity(ies): None Federal Award Year: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Criteria or Requirement Title 2, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200 (2 CRF 200), Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award, (Subpart E, Section 200.403), requires that charges to federal awards for salaries and wages be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Per chapter 2, Volume 6, of the 2022-2023 Federal Student Aid Handbook, institutions must maintain adequate timesheets or records of hours worked for Federal Work Study (FWS) students. Students working for your school must have their timesheets certified by either their supervisor or an official at the school. Students working in off-campus jobs must have their timesheets certified by an official at the off-campus site Title 200 part 2 CFR 200.303 states that the Institution, as a federal grant recipient, must “establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition found, including facts that support the deficiency identified in the finding and information to provide proper perspective for judging the prevalence and consequences of the finding For 3 of 80 payroll transactions selected for testing, the engagement team identified that the timesheet did not contain evidence of approval by the supervisor/manager. Cause and Possible Asserted Effect The University did not have sufficient controls over approval of time worked. As a result, expenditures may be charged to federal grants for time that was not worked. Identification of questioned costs and how they were computed None Sample statistically valid The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding from prior year The audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the University strengthen its controls over timekeeping approvals of all employee timesheets, in order to ensure that payroll expenditures charged to the program are allowable. Views on responsible officials Pacific University acknowledges the importance of an effective control environment. The University’s policies do currently require approval of all timesheets; therefore, management will re-emphasize the importance of this approval control, including review of supervisor compliance with this approval requirement, and follow-up with supervisors who may not be meeting requirements. Additionally, management will begin offering mandatory annual training for all supervisors overseeing Federal Work Study students.
Program Information Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services Federal Agency: Student Financial Assistance Cluster, Research and Development Cluster Federal Programs: 84.033 Federal Work-Study Program, 93.243 Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs, and 93.855 Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Pass-through entity(ies): None Federal Award Year: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Criteria or Requirement Title 2, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200 (2 CRF 200), Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Award, (Subpart E, Section 200.403), requires that charges to federal awards for salaries and wages be based on records that accurately reflect the work performed. Per chapter 2, Volume 6, of the 2022-2023 Federal Student Aid Handbook, institutions must maintain adequate timesheets or records of hours worked for Federal Work Study (FWS) students. Students working for your school must have their timesheets certified by either their supervisor or an official at the school. Students working in off-campus jobs must have their timesheets certified by an official at the off-campus site Title 200 part 2 CFR 200.303 states that the Institution, as a federal grant recipient, must “establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition found, including facts that support the deficiency identified in the finding and information to provide proper perspective for judging the prevalence and consequences of the finding For 3 of 80 payroll transactions selected for testing, the engagement team identified that the timesheet did not contain evidence of approval by the supervisor/manager. Cause and Possible Asserted Effect The University did not have sufficient controls over approval of time worked. As a result, expenditures may be charged to federal grants for time that was not worked. Identification of questioned costs and how they were computed None Sample statistically valid The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding from prior year The audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the University strengthen its controls over timekeeping approvals of all employee timesheets, in order to ensure that payroll expenditures charged to the program are allowable. Views on responsible officials Pacific University acknowledges the importance of an effective control environment. The University’s policies do currently require approval of all timesheets; therefore, management will re-emphasize the importance of this approval control, including review of supervisor compliance with this approval requirement, and follow-up with supervisors who may not be meeting requirements. Additionally, management will begin offering mandatory annual training for all supervisors overseeing Federal Work Study students.
Program Information Research and Development Cluster: ALN 47.076 NSF Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, ALN 93.213 Research and Training in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Federal Award Year: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Criteria or Requirement Title 2, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200 (2 CFR 200.332), Requirements for pass-through entities requires that all pass-through entities must verify that every subrecipient is audited (as required by 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F) when it is expected that the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in § 200.501. Title 200 part 2 CFR 200.303 states that the Institution, as a federal grant recipient, must “establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition found, including facts that support the deficiency identified in the finding and information to provide proper perspective for judging the prevalence and consequences of the finding For 3 subrecipients selected for testing, evidence of controls to ensure that subrecipients had been audited in accordance with by 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F, or were not subject to audit, was not available. Cause and Possible Asserted Effect The University did not have sufficient controls over collection and review of audit reports of subrecipients under 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F. Identification of questioned costs and how they were computed None Sample statistically valid The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding from prior year The audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the University strengthen its controls over monitoring of subrecipients, in order to ensure that audit reports of subrecipients under 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F are obtained and timely reviewed. Views on responsible officials Pacific University acknowledges the importance of an effective control environment and closely monitors activities of subrecipients under federal awards. Pacific was able to demonstrate that the selected subrecipients had appropriate audits under Subpart F (or were not subject to such audits). However, the University will enhance controls related to tracking such compliance.
Program Information Research and Development Cluster: ALN 47.076 NSF Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, ALN 93.213 Research and Training in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Federal Award Year: July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Criteria or Requirement Title 2, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Part 200 (2 CFR 200.332), Requirements for pass-through entities requires that all pass-through entities must verify that every subrecipient is audited (as required by 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F) when it is expected that the subrecipient's Federal awards expended during the respective fiscal year equaled or exceeded the threshold set forth in § 200.501. Title 200 part 2 CFR 200.303 states that the Institution, as a federal grant recipient, must “establish and maintain effective internal controls over the Federal awards that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Condition found, including facts that support the deficiency identified in the finding and information to provide proper perspective for judging the prevalence and consequences of the finding For 3 subrecipients selected for testing, evidence of controls to ensure that subrecipients had been audited in accordance with by 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F, or were not subject to audit, was not available. Cause and Possible Asserted Effect The University did not have sufficient controls over collection and review of audit reports of subrecipients under 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F. Identification of questioned costs and how they were computed None Sample statistically valid The sample was not intended to be, and was not, a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding from prior year The audit finding is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that the University strengthen its controls over monitoring of subrecipients, in order to ensure that audit reports of subrecipients under 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F are obtained and timely reviewed. Views on responsible officials Pacific University acknowledges the importance of an effective control environment and closely monitors activities of subrecipients under federal awards. Pacific was able to demonstrate that the selected subrecipients had appropriate audits under Subpart F (or were not subject to such audits). However, the University will enhance controls related to tracking such compliance.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553 and 10.555 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Child Nutrition Cluster Name of Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Name of Pass-through Entity: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-through Entity Identifying Number(s): 2023-138142-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-NSL-547, and 2023-138005-DPI-SK_NSLAE-566 Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Criteria: According to 2 CFR, Part 200.300 of the Uniform Guidance, a non-federal entity must have the following policies over compliance: cash management (section 200.302(b)(6)), allowability of costs (section 200.302(b)(7)), procurement (section 200.318-.326, reporting (section 200.303), special tests (section 200.303), travel (section 200.475(b)), compensation (section 200.430(a)(1)), and fringe benefits (section 200.431). Condition: Written policies and procedures are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Cause: Sufficient training has not been provided to individuals responsible for the development of written policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Effect or Potential Effect: Lack of policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance could result in noncompliance, disallowed costs, or discontinuance of federal funding. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: Additional training should be provided to individuals responsible for the development of written policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: One City Schools, Inc. agrees with the finding and are working on creating written policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553 and 10.555 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Child Nutrition Cluster Name of Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Name of Pass-through Entity: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-through Entity Identifying Number(s): 2023-138142-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-NSL-547, and 2023-138005-DPI-SK_NSLAE-566 Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Criteria: According to 2 CFR, Part 200.300 of the Uniform Guidance, a non-federal entity must have the following policies over compliance: cash management (section 200.302(b)(6)), allowability of costs (section 200.302(b)(7)), procurement (section 200.318-.326, reporting (section 200.303), special tests (section 200.303), travel (section 200.475(b)), compensation (section 200.430(a)(1)), and fringe benefits (section 200.431). Condition: Written policies and procedures are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Cause: Sufficient training has not been provided to individuals responsible for the development of written policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Effect or Potential Effect: Lack of policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance could result in noncompliance, disallowed costs, or discontinuance of federal funding. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: Additional training should be provided to individuals responsible for the development of written policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: One City Schools, Inc. agrees with the finding and are working on creating written policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553 and 10.555 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Child Nutrition Cluster Name of Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Name of Pass-through Entity: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-through Entity Identifying Number(s): 2023-138142-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-NSL-547, and 2023-138005-DPI-SK_NSLAE-566 Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Criteria: According to 2 CFR, Part 200.300 of the Uniform Guidance, a non-federal entity must have the following policies over compliance: cash management (section 200.302(b)(6)), allowability of costs (section 200.302(b)(7)), procurement (section 200.318-.326, reporting (section 200.303), special tests (section 200.303), travel (section 200.475(b)), compensation (section 200.430(a)(1)), and fringe benefits (section 200.431). Condition: Written policies and procedures are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Cause: Sufficient training has not been provided to individuals responsible for the development of written policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Effect or Potential Effect: Lack of policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance could result in noncompliance, disallowed costs, or discontinuance of federal funding. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: Additional training should be provided to individuals responsible for the development of written policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: One City Schools, Inc. agrees with the finding and are working on creating written policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553 and 10.555 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Child Nutrition Cluster Name of Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Name of Pass-through Entity: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-through Entity Identifying Number(s): 2023-138142-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-NSL-547, and 2023-138005-DPI-SK_NSLAE-566 Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Criteria: According to 2 CFR, Part 200.300 of the Uniform Guidance, a non-federal entity must have the following policies over compliance: cash management (section 200.302(b)(6)), allowability of costs (section 200.302(b)(7)), procurement (section 200.318-.326, reporting (section 200.303), special tests (section 200.303), travel (section 200.475(b)), compensation (section 200.430(a)(1)), and fringe benefits (section 200.431). Condition: Written policies and procedures are not in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Cause: Sufficient training has not been provided to individuals responsible for the development of written policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Effect or Potential Effect: Lack of policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance could result in noncompliance, disallowed costs, or discontinuance of federal funding. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: Additional training should be provided to individuals responsible for the development of written policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: One City Schools, Inc. agrees with the finding and are working on creating written policies and procedures in accordance with the Uniform Guidance.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553 and 10.555 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Child Nutrition Cluster Name of Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Name of Pass-through Entity: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-through Entity Identifying Number(s): 2023-138142-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-NSL-547, and 2023-138005-DPI-SK_NSLAE-566 Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Criteria: According to 2 CFR, Part 200.303 of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Grant Guidance, a non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal controls to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards. Condition: One City Schools, Inc. did not have a process in place to review funding claims prior to submission. Cause: Internal controls for funding claims have not been designed appropriately. Currently, there is no review of claim reports prior to submission to the grantor. Effect or Potential Effect: Incomplete or inaccurate information could be reported on funding claims. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: One City Schools, Inc. should design and implement appropriate internal controls for reviewing funding claims. Views of Responsible Officials: One City Schools, Inc. agrees with the finding and are working on implementing policies and procedures over reviewing claims prior to submission.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553 and 10.555 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Child Nutrition Cluster Name of Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Name of Pass-through Entity: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-through Entity Identifying Number(s): 2023-138142-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-NSL-547, and 2023-138005-DPI-SK_NSLAE-566 Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Criteria: According to 2 CFR, Part 200.303 of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Grant Guidance, a non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal controls to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards. Condition: One City Schools, Inc. did not have a process in place to review funding claims prior to submission. Cause: Internal controls for funding claims have not been designed appropriately. Currently, there is no review of claim reports prior to submission to the grantor. Effect or Potential Effect: Incomplete or inaccurate information could be reported on funding claims. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: One City Schools, Inc. should design and implement appropriate internal controls for reviewing funding claims. Views of Responsible Officials: One City Schools, Inc. agrees with the finding and are working on implementing policies and procedures over reviewing claims prior to submission.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553 and 10.555 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Child Nutrition Cluster Name of Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Name of Pass-through Entity: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-through Entity Identifying Number(s): 2023-138142-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-NSL-547, and 2023-138005-DPI-SK_NSLAE-566 Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Criteria: According to 2 CFR, Part 200.303 of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Grant Guidance, a non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal controls to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards. Condition: One City Schools, Inc. did not have a process in place to review funding claims prior to submission. Cause: Internal controls for funding claims have not been designed appropriately. Currently, there is no review of claim reports prior to submission to the grantor. Effect or Potential Effect: Incomplete or inaccurate information could be reported on funding claims. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: One City Schools, Inc. should design and implement appropriate internal controls for reviewing funding claims. Views of Responsible Officials: One City Schools, Inc. agrees with the finding and are working on implementing policies and procedures over reviewing claims prior to submission.
Assistance Listing Number(s): 10.553 and 10.555 Name of Federal Program or Cluster: Child Nutrition Cluster Name of Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Name of Pass-through Entity: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Pass-through Entity Identifying Number(s): 2023-138142-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-SB-546, 2023-138005-DPI-NSL-547, and 2023-138005-DPI-SK_NSLAE-566 Award Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 Criteria: According to 2 CFR, Part 200.303 of the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Grant Guidance, a non-Federal entity must establish and maintain effective internal controls to ensure compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of federal awards. Condition: One City Schools, Inc. did not have a process in place to review funding claims prior to submission. Cause: Internal controls for funding claims have not been designed appropriately. Currently, there is no review of claim reports prior to submission to the grantor. Effect or Potential Effect: Incomplete or inaccurate information could be reported on funding claims. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: One City Schools, Inc. should design and implement appropriate internal controls for reviewing funding claims. Views of Responsible Officials: One City Schools, Inc. agrees with the finding and are working on implementing policies and procedures over reviewing claims prior to submission.
FINDING 2023-002 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): FY 21-22, FY 22-23 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 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 one claim in a sample of four, the Food Service Director prepared the reimbursement claim without a secondary, documented review to ensure the accuracy of the reimbursement claim. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior finding number was 2021-004. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and cash management compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002 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): FY 21-22, FY 22-23 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 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 one claim in a sample of four, the Food Service Director prepared the reimbursement claim without a secondary, documented review to ensure the accuracy of the reimbursement claim. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior finding number was 2021-004. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and cash management compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-002 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): FY 21-22, FY 22-23 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Reporting Audit Finding: Significant Deficiency Criteria: 2 CFR section 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 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 one claim in a sample of four, the Food Service Director prepared the reimbursement claim without a secondary, documented review to ensure the accuracy of the reimbursement claim. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit. The prior finding number was 2021-004. Recommendation: We recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a system of internal controls related to the grant agreement and cash management compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003 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): FY 21-22, FY 22-23 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions – Verification of Free and Reduced-Price Applications 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 245.6(a) sates in part: The local educational agency must verify eligibility of children in a sample of household applications approved for free and reduced price meal benefits for that school year. (ii) An application must be approved if it contains the essential documentation specified in the definition of Documentation in § 245.2 and, if applicable, the household meets the income eligibility criteria for free or reduced price benefits. Verification efforts must not delay the approval of applications. 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 Verification compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the Special Tests and Provisions – Verification of Free and Reduced-Price Applications 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 the one student selected for verification sample testing, we noted the student was incorrectly verified as qualifying for reduced lunch when they should have been change to paid lunch based on the income eligibility criteria. The appropriate supporting documentation was provided by the parent, however the reduced lunch status was incorrectly applied to the student. 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 verification compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003 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): FY 21-22, FY 22-23 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions – Verification of Free and Reduced-Price Applications 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 245.6(a) sates in part: The local educational agency must verify eligibility of children in a sample of household applications approved for free and reduced price meal benefits for that school year. (ii) An application must be approved if it contains the essential documentation specified in the definition of Documentation in § 245.2 and, if applicable, the household meets the income eligibility criteria for free or reduced price benefits. Verification efforts must not delay the approval of applications. 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 Verification compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the Special Tests and Provisions – Verification of Free and Reduced-Price Applications 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 the one student selected for verification sample testing, we noted the student was incorrectly verified as qualifying for reduced lunch when they should have been change to paid lunch based on the income eligibility criteria. The appropriate supporting documentation was provided by the parent, however the reduced lunch status was incorrectly applied to the student. 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 verification compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-003 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): FY 21-22, FY 22-23 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Special Tests and Provisions – Verification of Free and Reduced-Price Applications 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 245.6(a) sates in part: The local educational agency must verify eligibility of children in a sample of household applications approved for free and reduced price meal benefits for that school year. (ii) An application must be approved if it contains the essential documentation specified in the definition of Documentation in § 245.2 and, if applicable, the household meets the income eligibility criteria for free or reduced price benefits. Verification efforts must not delay the approval of applications. 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 Verification compliance requirements. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the Special Tests and Provisions – Verification of Free and Reduced-Price Applications 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 the one student selected for verification sample testing, we noted the student was incorrectly verified as qualifying for reduced lunch when they should have been change to paid lunch based on the income eligibility criteria. The appropriate supporting documentation was provided by the parent, however the reduced lunch status was incorrectly applied to the student. 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 verification compliance requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Earmarking 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 the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)...." 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." 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 earmarking compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the earmarking 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (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. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01 grant awards. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenditures should be retained for audit. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Earmarking 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 the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)...." 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." 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 earmarking compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the earmarking 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (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. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01 grant awards. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenditures should be retained for audit. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Earmarking 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 the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)...." 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." 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 earmarking compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the earmarking 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (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. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01 grant awards. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenditures should be retained for audit. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Earmarking 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 the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)...." 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." 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 earmarking compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the earmarking 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (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. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01 grant awards. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenditures should be retained for audit. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Earmarking 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 the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)...." 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." 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 earmarking compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the earmarking 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (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. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01 grant awards. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenditures should be retained for audit. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Earmarking 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 the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)...." 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." 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 earmarking compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the earmarking 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (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. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01 grant awards. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenditures should be retained for audit. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Earmarking 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 the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)...." 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." 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 earmarking compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the earmarking 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (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. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01 grant awards. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenditures should be retained for audit. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-004 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.173 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Earmarking 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 the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal awards in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO)...." 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." 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 earmarking compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the earmarking 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (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. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Earmarking compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the earmarking requirements. The Cooperative did not have adequate procedures in place to ensure that the required level of expenditures for non-public school students with disabilities was met for each member school. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure non-public school expenditures were appropriately identified and reported. The Non-Public Proportionate Share expenditures for the 22619-046-PN01 grant award could not be verified for the individual member schools. Total grant expenditures were posted as expended. The nonpublic proportionate share expenditures were determined by applying a percentage to the non-public school budgeted expenditures. As such, we were unable to identify if the minimum amount per the grant award was expended and properly reported to IDOE as required. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, and 22619-046-PN01 grant awards. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure non-public proportionate share funds are appropriately allocated to the member school based on expenditures charged directly on behalf of the member school. Supporting documentation for these expenditures should be retained for audit. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." 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 suspension and debarment compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements. Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment requirements. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in fiscal year 23. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." 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 suspension and debarment compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements. Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment requirements. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in fiscal year 23. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." 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 suspension and debarment compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements. Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment requirements. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in fiscal year 23. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." 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 suspension and debarment compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements. Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment requirements. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in fiscal year 23. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." 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 suspension and debarment compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements. Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment requirements. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in fiscal year 23. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." 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 suspension and debarment compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements. Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment requirements. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in fiscal year 23. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.
FINDING 2023-005 Information on the federal program: Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) – Internal Controls Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Program: Special Education Grants to States Assistance Listings Number: 84.027 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-046-PN01, 21619-046-PN01, 22619-046-PN01 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirements: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness Criteria: 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking the SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." 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 suspension and debarment compliance requirement. Cause: The School Corporation's management had not developed a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment 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: The School Corporation is a member of the Porter County Education Interlocal (Cooperative). During fiscal year 2022-2023, the Cooperative operated the special education programs and spent the federal money on behalf of all its members. As the grant agreements were between the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and each member school, the School Corporation was responsible for ensuring and providing oversight of the Cooperative. However, there was inadequate oversight performed by the School Corporation in order to ensure compliance with the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure that the Cooperative complied with the suspension and debarment requirements. The Cooperative did not have effective internal controls to ensure compliance with the suspension and debarment requirements. Prior to entering into covered transactions with grant award funds, entities are required to verify that vendors under covered transactions are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to contracts for goods or services awarded under procurement and nonprocurement transactions (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the System for Award Management (SAM) exclusions, collecting a certification from that person, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person. Upon inquiry of the Cooperative in order to review procedures in place for verifying that an entity with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred or otherwise excluded, the Cooperative explained that if the covered transaction had a contract, the contract was verified to make sure the clause for suspension and debarment was included. However, if the covered transaction did not involve a contract, the Cooperative did not have procedures in place to verify the suspension and debarment requirements. A population of five covered transactions for goods or services that equaled or exceeded $25,000 paid from grant award funds during the audit period was identified. Three of the five covered transactions did not have documentation to show that they were verified for the suspension and debarment requirements. The lack of internal controls was isolated to the 22611-046-PN01 and 23611-046-PN01 grant awards in fiscal year 23. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable: No. Recommendation: We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to monitor the Cooperative and ensure vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any covered transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and has prepared a corrective action plan.