Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
Federal Program Information: Research and Development Cluster (various ALN #’s) Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory or Other Citation): M. Subrecipient Monitoring - per 2 CFR Part 200.305(b), for recipients and subrecipients other than States, payment methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or the pass-through entity and the disbursement of funds by the recipient or subrecipient regardless of whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Condition: The University’s procedures failed to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of federal funds to the subrecipient and the disbursement of such funds for program purposes by the subrecipient. Cause: Insufficient internal controls and administrative oversight with respect to subrecipient invoice approval. Effect or Potential Effect: The University was not in compliance with the cash management requirements of a pass-through entity. Questioned Costs: None. Context: For 4 of 21 subrecipient invoices selected for testing, the University did not review and pay the subrecipient in a timely manner. Identification as a Repeat Finding: This is a repeat of prior year finding 2023-015. Recommendation: We recommend that the University enhance its internal controls and procedures to ensure timely review and payment of subrecipient invoices. Views of Responsible Officials: The process to review subrecipient invoices will be improved by requiring the review of supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable by the Sponsored Program Office (SPO) post award team. This team will thoroughly review supporting documents to ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, reasonable and recorded in the proper period according to university policies and grant terms. Invoices will be reviewed by SPO and will serve as the key control point before transactions are forwarded to accounting to post to sponsored awards. Subrecipient invoices will be paid by Accounts Payable only after approval by SPO and GCA. The Director of Compliance will conduct spot checks on all sponsored transactional activity, especially for high-risk grants to provide an additional layer of oversight. The new review process and training for these responsibilities will be implemented by spring 2025 as part of the broader campus-wide workflow training and staffing up of the new SPO Post-Award office.
2024-003 – Cash Management Approval Federal Programs – Research and Development Cluster (Assistance Listing No. 98.001) Federal Agencies - U.S. Agency for International Development Federal Award Year – July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 Compliance Requirement – Cash Management Criteria Requirement: Non-federal entities must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the US Treasury or pass-through entity and disbursement by the non-federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of allowable indirect costs, whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means (2 CFR section 200.305(b)). The reimbursement payment method is the preferred payment method if (a) the non-federal entity cannot the meet the requirements in 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(1) for advance payment, (b) the federal awarding agency sets a specific condition for use of the reimbursement or (c) if requested by the non-federal entity (2 CFR sections 200.305(b)(3) and 200.208). The reimbursement payment method also may be used on a federal award for construction or for other construction activity as specified in 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3). Condition Found: For two out of thirty-one samples, the institution did not maintain appropriate documentation to evidence the approval of the drawdown request. This resulted in an ineffective control over the review and approval of cash drawdowns. Cause and Possible Asserted Effect: The grants department had turnover in the current year, which resulted in inconsistent documentation of approvals. Therefore, the institution’s control to review and approve cash drawdowns did not operate consistently to ensure requests for reimbursement were properly approved and evidence of the review was maintained. Identification of Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Sampling: The sample was not intended to be and was not a statistically valid sample. Identification of Repeat Finding: This finding is not a repeat of a finding in the immediately prior year Recommendation: Our recommendation is for management to reinforce and train those individuals in the compliance control ownership role to ensure controls are operating as designed in order to prevent, or detect and correct noncompliance on a timely basis. Specifically, strengthening its processes and documentation requirements around the review and approval of cash drawdown requests. This will help ensure that controls are functioning as intended, thereby preventing or promptly identifying and rectifying instances of noncompliance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the findings and recommendations. Through the merger with Old Dominion University, additional controls have been adopted around the processes and controls around the accuracy of the review and approval of cash drawdown requests.
2024-003 – Cash Management Approval Federal Programs – Research and Development Cluster (Assistance Listing No. 98.001) Federal Agencies - U.S. Agency for International Development Federal Award Year – July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 Compliance Requirement – Cash Management Criteria Requirement: Non-federal entities must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the US Treasury or pass-through entity and disbursement by the non-federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of allowable indirect costs, whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means (2 CFR section 200.305(b)). The reimbursement payment method is the preferred payment method if (a) the non-federal entity cannot the meet the requirements in 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(1) for advance payment, (b) the federal awarding agency sets a specific condition for use of the reimbursement or (c) if requested by the non-federal entity (2 CFR sections 200.305(b)(3) and 200.208). The reimbursement payment method also may be used on a federal award for construction or for other construction activity as specified in 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3). Condition Found: For two out of thirty-one samples, the institution did not maintain appropriate documentation to evidence the approval of the drawdown request. This resulted in an ineffective control over the review and approval of cash drawdowns. Cause and Possible Asserted Effect: The grants department had turnover in the current year, which resulted in inconsistent documentation of approvals. Therefore, the institution’s control to review and approve cash drawdowns did not operate consistently to ensure requests for reimbursement were properly approved and evidence of the review was maintained. Identification of Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Sampling: The sample was not intended to be and was not a statistically valid sample. Identification of Repeat Finding: This finding is not a repeat of a finding in the immediately prior year Recommendation: Our recommendation is for management to reinforce and train those individuals in the compliance control ownership role to ensure controls are operating as designed in order to prevent, or detect and correct noncompliance on a timely basis. Specifically, strengthening its processes and documentation requirements around the review and approval of cash drawdown requests. This will help ensure that controls are functioning as intended, thereby preventing or promptly identifying and rectifying instances of noncompliance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the findings and recommendations. Through the merger with Old Dominion University, additional controls have been adopted around the processes and controls around the accuracy of the review and approval of cash drawdown requests.
2024-003 – Cash Management Approval Federal Programs – Research and Development Cluster (Assistance Listing No. 98.001) Federal Agencies - U.S. Agency for International Development Federal Award Year – July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 Compliance Requirement – Cash Management Criteria Requirement: Non-federal entities must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the US Treasury or pass-through entity and disbursement by the non-federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of allowable indirect costs, whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means (2 CFR section 200.305(b)). The reimbursement payment method is the preferred payment method if (a) the non-federal entity cannot the meet the requirements in 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(1) for advance payment, (b) the federal awarding agency sets a specific condition for use of the reimbursement or (c) if requested by the non-federal entity (2 CFR sections 200.305(b)(3) and 200.208). The reimbursement payment method also may be used on a federal award for construction or for other construction activity as specified in 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3). Condition Found: For two out of thirty-one samples, the institution did not maintain appropriate documentation to evidence the approval of the drawdown request. This resulted in an ineffective control over the review and approval of cash drawdowns. Cause and Possible Asserted Effect: The grants department had turnover in the current year, which resulted in inconsistent documentation of approvals. Therefore, the institution’s control to review and approve cash drawdowns did not operate consistently to ensure requests for reimbursement were properly approved and evidence of the review was maintained. Identification of Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs associated with this finding. Sampling: The sample was not intended to be and was not a statistically valid sample. Identification of Repeat Finding: This finding is not a repeat of a finding in the immediately prior year Recommendation: Our recommendation is for management to reinforce and train those individuals in the compliance control ownership role to ensure controls are operating as designed in order to prevent, or detect and correct noncompliance on a timely basis. Specifically, strengthening its processes and documentation requirements around the review and approval of cash drawdown requests. This will help ensure that controls are functioning as intended, thereby preventing or promptly identifying and rectifying instances of noncompliance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the findings and recommendations. Through the merger with Old Dominion University, additional controls have been adopted around the processes and controls around the accuracy of the review and approval of cash drawdown requests.
Condition: The Organization’s written policies and procedures related to financial management and procurement do not meet the requirements of 2 CFR 200, Subpart D and Subpart E. Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.302.b and 2 CFR Section 200.305 of the Uniform Guidance, the Organization is required to have a written financial management policy. Additionally, according to 2 CFR Section 200.317 – 200.326, the Organization is required to have a written procurement policy. Cause: The Organization was unaware of requirements regarding policies and procedures outlined in the Uniform Guidance. Effect: Written policies necessary for non-Federal entities receiving federal funds were not in place. Repeat Finding: Yes Questioned Costs: None reported Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization update their written policies and procedures that meet the requirements of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: We concur with the auditor’s finding and will update the Organization’s written policies and procedures for the Uniform Guidance requirements.
Condition: The Organization’s written policies and procedures related to financial management and procurement do not meet the requirements of 2 CFR 200, Subpart D and Subpart E. Criteria: According to 2 CFR Section 200.302.b and 2 CFR Section 200.305 of the Uniform Guidance, the Organization is required to have a written financial management policy. Additionally, according to 2 CFR Section 200.317 – 200.326, the Organization is required to have a written procurement policy. Cause: The Organization was unaware of requirements regarding policies and procedures outlined in the Uniform Guidance. Effect: Written policies necessary for non-Federal entities receiving federal funds were not in place. Repeat Finding: Yes Questioned Costs: None reported Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization update their written policies and procedures that meet the requirements of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: We concur with the auditor’s finding and will update the Organization’s written policies and procedures for the Uniform Guidance requirements.
Finding 2024-004: Unallowable Costs / Cash Management (Material Weakness) Information on the Federal Programs: Assistance Listing Number 98.001 Criteria: According to Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.305(b)), Federal funds must be managed in a way that minimizes the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and the Organization’s disbursement of those funds for program purposes. Additionally, internal controls over cash management should ensure that all drawdowns are approved by designated personnel to prevent improper or premature use of Federal funds. Furthermore, per 2 CFR 200.414(c), indirect costs may only be charged to a Federal program if an approved indirect cost rate or a direct cost allocation methodology is in place and if the Federal award allows for indirect cost recovery. Condition: During our review of Federal grant drawdowns, it was noted that several drawdowns were processed without obtaining the required internal approvals as outlined in Astraea's cash management policies and procedures. We also noted that several draws included indirect costs, despite the Federal award agreement explicitly prohibiting indirect cost recovery. While these costs were later removed and ultimately not charged to the Federal program, their inclusion initially led to an overdraw of funds exceeding the program’s actual needs. Furthermore, Astraea is carrying a large refundable advance balance. Cause: Astraea’s cash management procedures were not consistently followed, leading to missed approvals for certain drawdowns and delays in fund disbursement. Additionally, the lack of approval led to errors in charging indirect costs to the program.Effect: Drawdowns without proper internal approval increase the risk of non-compliance with Federal cash management requirements and could result in unauthorized or inaccurate fund usage. Additionally, charging unallowable indirect costs to the program resulted in noncompliance with Federal regulations. Furthermore, the delay in disbursing Federal funds increases the risk of noncompliance with cash management requirements, potentially resulting in interest liability. Questioned Costs: None noted. Identification as a Repeat Finding, if Applicable: Finding 2023-005 Recommendation: Astraea should reinforce cash management controls by ensuring all Federal drawdowns obtain the appropriate internal approvals before processing. This can be achieved by implementing a checklist or automated workflow to verify compliance with approval requirements. Astraea should also strengthen internal controls over cost allocation to prevent unallowable indirect charges. Additionally, we recommend Astraea implement procedures to ensure that Federal funds are disbursed promptly in accordance with 2 CFR 200.305 to avoid undue delays.
Finding 2024-001 Payment to fraudulent subrecipient account - cyber incident Repeat Finding No Federal Program Title U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 93.600 Head Start Award # 05CH012065-02-00 Award Year 9/1/2022 – 8/31/2023 Finding In connection with a cyber incident at a subrecipient, Chicago Commons Association (Commons) sent two federal fund payments to a fraudulent party acting as the subrecipient. Criteria 2 CFR 200.305 (b) describes federal payments for recipients and subrecipients other than states, whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer or by other means. Per 2 CFR 200.516(a), the auditor must report as an audit finding various items including known or likely fraud affecting a federal award. Audit finding detail and clarity is described in the next section, 2 CFR 200.516(b), which requires specific information to be included such as “(3) The condition found, including facts that support the deficiency found in the audit finding.” Condition The design and execution of certain internal controls were not successful in preventing or detecting Commons’ payments to a bank account controlled by a fraudulent party posing as a subrecipient. This resulted from a scheme related to a cyber incident at the subrecipient. Gads Hill Center (GHC), a nonprofit after-school program located in Chicago and a subrecipient/delegate agency of Commons, was victim to a cyber incident whereby a fraudulent party was able to take control of GHC’s email and telephone systems. This fraudulent party then contacted Commons AP manager via email on August 7, 2023, posing as the GHC Chief Financial Officer. Through email communications with the Commons AP manager and VP of Finance, this fraudulent party submitted updated banking/ACH information for GHC to change their ACH information from Fifth Third Bank (the valid GHC bank account) to Truist Bank (the fraudulent party’s bank account). An email was sent from the Commons AP manager to the Commons VP of Finance to have the information updated in the system. Commons’ policies require that a request received for this type of change to be substantiated through a direct phone call to the subrecipient. The Commons AP manager called the GHC CFO (the number used was Pilsen location shown on the GHC website) but the call went unanswered (and voicemail was full). The AP manager and GHC CFO scheduled a call for the next week and the AP manager received a phone call from an identical phone number from an individual who identified himself as the GHC CFO, and completed the verification process. New banking information was then entered and approved in Commons’ primary banking partner’s system (US Bank). These emails and calls happened between August 7 and August 15, 2023. Commons received a voucher from GHC and made a $70,121.99 payment to Truist Bank on August 17, using the updated ACH information. The primary banking partner of Commons flagged this payment as potentially fraudulent because the name on the ACH payment did not match the name listed on the bank account, and contacted Commons. Commons communicated that the banking information was correct, and the payment was then released on August 22. Another GHC-submitted voucher was received, and $640,318.83 was also paid to Truist Bank on August 24, 2023. The payments were not received by GHC. GHC subsequently contacted Commons to follow up about the status of the payments due and through the ensuing discussion the payments to the fraudulent Truist Bank account were ultimately discovered. The two submitted vouchers for expenses incurred by GHC were valid, in connection with program services performed by GHC. Commons reviewed, approved and submitted the two vouchers to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (the funder) for reimbursement. The funder approved the expenses, funds were released to Commons and then disbursed by Commons to the Truist Bank account which management believed belonged to GHC. Commons recorded and reported revenue and expense (payment to subrecipient) for the amounts of the vouchers received and paid. Because GHC incurred the expenses but never received the reimbursement funds, GHC absorbed the loss. Cause Commons personnel had followed established processes and internal controls as intended. However, the design and execution of the controls were not successful in preventing or detecting payments to a fraudulent account. Management believes the sophistication of the fraud scheme exceeded the effectiveness of the controls. Effect The change in ACH information resulted in two Commons’ payments of federal funds totaling $710,440.82 made to a bank account controlled by the fraudulent party acting as the subrecipient. Context Chicago Commons made us aware of this matter which appears to be an isolated incident for the year ended June 30, 2024. Questioned Costs There were no known questioned costs. Recommendation We recommend that Commons strengthens its internal controls in verifying a requested bank account change. For example, the procedure can include a requirement for the phone call to be made by an individual at Commons with personal knowledge and familiarity with a specific individual at the organization requesting the change. Views of Responsible Officials Management is in agreement with this finding. See corrective action plan.
Finding No. 2024-081 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Department of Commerce Impact: Significant Deficiency, Noncompliance AL Number and Title: 81.049, 12.000, 43.001, 11.417 Research and Development Cluster (RDC) Federal Award Number: N/A Applicable Compliance Requirement: Cash Management Condition: Fifteen of the sampled 40 subrecipient draws, on reimbursement basis, were paid to the subrecipients beyond 30 days of when the University received the payment request. Context: During testing of subrecipient cash management, five grants from University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) had fifteen observed instances of individual payments requests from the subrecipient were received by UAF and not disbursed to the subrecipient within the allowable thirty days. Cause: UAF did not process payment requests from the subrecipients timely. Criteria: The federal Government requires that when the reimbursement method is used, the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity must make payment within 30 calendar days after receipt of the billing, unless the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity reasonably believes the request to be improper (2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3)). Per 2 CFR 180.300 nonfederal entities entering into a covered transaction are required to verify the entity whom they intend to do business with are not excluded or disqualified. Effect: Subrecipients on federal awards do not receive timely payment for federal contract work. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: UAF management should work to develop policies and procedures to allow for more timely payment to subrecipients for work the University contracts them to perform. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with this finding.
Finding No. 2024-081 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Department of Commerce Impact: Significant Deficiency, Noncompliance AL Number and Title: 81.049, 12.000, 43.001, 11.417 Research and Development Cluster (RDC) Federal Award Number: N/A Applicable Compliance Requirement: Cash Management Condition: Fifteen of the sampled 40 subrecipient draws, on reimbursement basis, were paid to the subrecipients beyond 30 days of when the University received the payment request. Context: During testing of subrecipient cash management, five grants from University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) had fifteen observed instances of individual payments requests from the subrecipient were received by UAF and not disbursed to the subrecipient within the allowable thirty days. Cause: UAF did not process payment requests from the subrecipients timely. Criteria: The federal Government requires that when the reimbursement method is used, the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity must make payment within 30 calendar days after receipt of the billing, unless the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity reasonably believes the request to be improper (2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3)). Per 2 CFR 180.300 nonfederal entities entering into a covered transaction are required to verify the entity whom they intend to do business with are not excluded or disqualified. Effect: Subrecipients on federal awards do not receive timely payment for federal contract work. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: UAF management should work to develop policies and procedures to allow for more timely payment to subrecipients for work the University contracts them to perform. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with this finding.
Finding No. 2024-081 Federal Awarding Agency: U.S Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Department of Commerce Impact: Significant Deficiency, Noncompliance AL Number and Title: 81.049, 12.000, 43.001, 11.417 Research and Development Cluster (RDC) Federal Award Number: N/A Applicable Compliance Requirement: Cash Management Condition: Fifteen of the sampled 40 subrecipient draws, on reimbursement basis, were paid to the subrecipients beyond 30 days of when the University received the payment request. Context: During testing of subrecipient cash management, five grants from University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) had fifteen observed instances of individual payments requests from the subrecipient were received by UAF and not disbursed to the subrecipient within the allowable thirty days. Cause: UAF did not process payment requests from the subrecipients timely. Criteria: The federal Government requires that when the reimbursement method is used, the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity must make payment within 30 calendar days after receipt of the billing, unless the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity reasonably believes the request to be improper (2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3)). Per 2 CFR 180.300 nonfederal entities entering into a covered transaction are required to verify the entity whom they intend to do business with are not excluded or disqualified. Effect: Subrecipients on federal awards do not receive timely payment for federal contract work. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: UAF management should work to develop policies and procedures to allow for more timely payment to subrecipients for work the University contracts them to perform. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with this finding.
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.305(b), when entities are on a cost reimbursement basis, payments must be requested only for allowable costs already incurred, and such requests should be made in a timely manner to avoid cash flow issues and ensure proper stewardship of federal funds. Condition and Context: During our testing, we determined that Solvista Health incurred allowable expenditures under the federal awards but did not submit claims for reimbursement in a timely manner. Specifically, expenditures were recorded and reported internally, but Solvista Health did not initiate the cost reimbursement requests in accordance with the timing of those expenditures. Questioned Costs: N/A Cause: Solvista Health lacks sufficient oversight or adequate internal controls to ensure timely submission of reimbursement requests corresponding with incurred expenditures. Effect: Failure to request reimbursement in a timely manner can impair cash flow, result in underutilization of available federal funds within the grant period, and indicate noncompliance with requirements under Uniform Guidance. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that Solvista Health implement formal procedures as well as assign an individual responsible for submitting reimbursement requests on a regular and timely basis after expenditures are incurred. This will promote compliance with federal requirements and ensure Solvista Health benefits fully from available federal grant funding.
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.305(b), when entities are on a cost reimbursement basis, payments must be requested only for allowable costs already incurred, and such requests should be made in a timely manner to avoid cash flow issues and ensure proper stewardship of federal funds. Condition and Context: During our testing, we determined that Solvista Health incurred allowable expenditures under the federal awards but did not submit claims for reimbursement in a timely manner. Specifically, expenditures were recorded and reported internally, but Solvista Health did not initiate the cost reimbursement requests in accordance with the timing of those expenditures. Questioned Costs: N/A Cause: Solvista Health lacks sufficient oversight or adequate internal controls to ensure timely submission of reimbursement requests corresponding with incurred expenditures. Effect: Failure to request reimbursement in a timely manner can impair cash flow, result in underutilization of available federal funds within the grant period, and indicate noncompliance with requirements under Uniform Guidance. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that Solvista Health implement formal procedures as well as assign an individual responsible for submitting reimbursement requests on a regular and timely basis after expenditures are incurred. This will promote compliance with federal requirements and ensure Solvista Health benefits fully from available federal grant funding.
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.305(b), when entities are on a cost reimbursement basis, payments must be requested only for allowable costs already incurred, and such requests should be made in a timely manner to avoid cash flow issues and ensure proper stewardship of federal funds. Condition and Context: During our testing, we determined that Solvista Health incurred allowable expenditures under the federal awards but did not submit claims for reimbursement in a timely manner. Specifically, expenditures were recorded and reported internally, but Solvista Health did not initiate the cost reimbursement requests in accordance with the timing of those expenditures. Questioned Costs: N/A Cause: Solvista Health lacks sufficient oversight or adequate internal controls to ensure timely submission of reimbursement requests corresponding with incurred expenditures. Effect: Failure to request reimbursement in a timely manner can impair cash flow, result in underutilization of available federal funds within the grant period, and indicate noncompliance with requirements under Uniform Guidance. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that Solvista Health implement formal procedures as well as assign an individual responsible for submitting reimbursement requests on a regular and timely basis after expenditures are incurred. This will promote compliance with federal requirements and ensure Solvista Health benefits fully from available federal grant funding.
Criteria or Specific Requirement: In accordance with 2 CFR 200.305(b), when entities are on a cost reimbursement basis, payments must be requested only for allowable costs already incurred, and such requests should be made in a timely manner to avoid cash flow issues and ensure proper stewardship of federal funds. Condition and Context: During our testing, we determined that Solvista Health incurred allowable expenditures under the federal awards but did not submit claims for reimbursement in a timely manner. Specifically, expenditures were recorded and reported internally, but Solvista Health did not initiate the cost reimbursement requests in accordance with the timing of those expenditures. Questioned Costs: N/A Cause: Solvista Health lacks sufficient oversight or adequate internal controls to ensure timely submission of reimbursement requests corresponding with incurred expenditures. Effect: Failure to request reimbursement in a timely manner can impair cash flow, result in underutilization of available federal funds within the grant period, and indicate noncompliance with requirements under Uniform Guidance. Identification as a Repeat Finding: Not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend that Solvista Health implement formal procedures as well as assign an individual responsible for submitting reimbursement requests on a regular and timely basis after expenditures are incurred. This will promote compliance with federal requirements and ensure Solvista Health benefits fully from available federal grant funding.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Program Title: Health Center Program Cluster Assistance Listing Numbers: 93.224 and 93.527 Federal Award Identification Number and Year: H80CS00109-22; H80CS00109-23 Award Period: May 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024; May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria or specific requirement: 2 CFR 200.305(b)(1) requires that recipients of federal funds maintain both written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency and the disbursement of funds by the recipient, and financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability. Furthermore, 2 CFR 200.303 indicates the non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish, document 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). Condition: The Organization did not maintain timely documentation to support an independent review and approval of the drawdowns prior the drawdown occurring. Questioned costs: None Context: This condition occurred in two (2) of six (6) transactions selected for testing. Cause: Turnover in key positions within the finance department. Effect: Drawdowns may occur for the incorrect amount, for the wrong period and for costs that may not have been incurred as of yet. Repeat Finding: No. Recommendation: We recommend management consider developing a contingency plan for when there is turnover in key personnel involved with the drawdown process of federal grants. As part of this plan, if changes need to occur to the primary internal control over drawdowns, those changes should be documented with supporting documentation retained for the revised internal control. Views of responsible officials: There is no disagreement with this finding.
Federal Transit Cluster – Cash Management Noncompliance and Significant Deficiency in Internal Control ALN’s 20.507 and 20.526 U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Transit Administration Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.305(b), when advance payments are made, they must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and timed to the actual, immediate cash requirements of the recipient. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) further clarifies that federal funds drawn in advance must be disbursed within three business days to comply with this requirement. This standard is intended to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement. Condition: The Authority drew down federal funds in advance of allowable expenditures and did not disburse the federal funds within the required three business days. Cause: The Authority did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure that federal funds were drawn only after costs had been incurred or that disbursements occurred within the required timeframe. Effect: As a result of the noncompliance, the Authority was required to repay $251,630 to the FTA. Questioned Costs: $251,630 drawn down in excess of the immediate need. Context: For one drawdown in a sample of seven, the Authority drew down funds to be used for preventative maintenance costs during the month during the preceding month. As a result, the Authority held the funds until there were sufficient qualifying expenditures, which was for a time period in excess of three business days. Recommendation: We recommend that the Authority strengthen its internal controls over cash management to ensure that federal funds are drawn only after expenditures have been incurred or that disbursements are made within three business days of receipt if drawn in advance. Staff should be trained on federal cash management requirements, and drawdown procedures should be reviewed and updated accordingly. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan
Federal Transit Cluster – Cash Management Noncompliance and Significant Deficiency in Internal Control ALN’s 20.507 and 20.526 U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Transit Administration Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR § 200.305(b), when advance payments are made, they must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and timed to the actual, immediate cash requirements of the recipient. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) further clarifies that federal funds drawn in advance must be disbursed within three business days to comply with this requirement. This standard is intended to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement. Condition: The Authority drew down federal funds in advance of allowable expenditures and did not disburse the federal funds within the required three business days. Cause: The Authority did not have adequate internal controls in place to ensure that federal funds were drawn only after costs had been incurred or that disbursements occurred within the required timeframe. Effect: As a result of the noncompliance, the Authority was required to repay $251,630 to the FTA. Questioned Costs: $251,630 drawn down in excess of the immediate need. Context: For one drawdown in a sample of seven, the Authority drew down funds to be used for preventative maintenance costs during the month during the preceding month. As a result, the Authority held the funds until there were sufficient qualifying expenditures, which was for a time period in excess of three business days. Recommendation: We recommend that the Authority strengthen its internal controls over cash management to ensure that federal funds are drawn only after expenditures have been incurred or that disbursements are made within three business days of receipt if drawn in advance. Staff should be trained on federal cash management requirements, and drawdown procedures should be reviewed and updated accordingly. Views of Responsible Officials: See Corrective Action Plan