2022-007: Cash Management - Material Weakness – Originated in 2019 Federal Program Information: Funding Agency: U.S Department of Health and Human Services FALN: 93.926 Federal Award Identification Number: H49MC00119-22-00 Pass Through Entity: State of Georgia Department of Human Services Award Year: 2020-2024 Criteria: Under 2 CFR Section 200.303(a), non-federal entities must establish and maintain effective internal controls to provide reasonable assurance that the entity is managing the federal awards in compliance with statues, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the award. Additionally regulations require the reimbursement payment method may be used on a Federal award for activities as specified in 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3), program costs must be paid by non-Federal entity funds before submitting a payment request (2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3)), i.e., the non-Federal entity must disburse funds for program purposes before requesting payment from the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity. Condition: The Organization has a policy which includes the Fiscal/Grant Manager and/or the CEO review all drawdown requests to ensure costs are paid before reimbursement is requested. However of the sixteen (16) drawdown requests that we tested, there was no evidence of review and approval for drawdown. Effect: Management possibly did not expend funds in accordance with the federal award due to lack of evidence of oversight/review of drawdowns and after reimbursable expenses have been incurred. Cause: Management did not document evidence of review and approval of drawdown requests. This was due in part to lack of oversight. Also there were several changes in personnel within the accounting area and overall limited number of personnel for certain functions and lack of board oversight. Questioned costs: None Recommendation: We recommend that internal controls be strengthened and processes implemented to ensure all draw down requests are reviewed and approved to ensure costs were accurately reported and paid before requesting reimbursement.
Condition: During our review of the December 31, 2022 Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) prepared by management, we noted that controls over revenue recognition and preparation of the SEFA were not properly designed resulting in material adjustments to several grants and to the SEFA identified during the audit. Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 200.510(b) states in part, “The auditee must also prepare a schedule of federal expenditures for the period covered by the auditee’s consolidated financial statements which must include the total Federal awards expended as determined in accordance with 200.502.” Also, in accordance with CFR Section 200.302(b) – Financial Management, the auditees financial management system must provide 1) identification of all federal awards received and expended; 2) accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federal award or program; 3) records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally-funded activities; 4) effective control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets; 5) comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award; 6) written procedures to implement the requirements of section 200.305 and; 7) written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with Subpart E and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Further, revenue from grants is to be accounted for in accordance with ASU 2018-08 (Topic 958) Clarifying the Scope and Accounting Guidance for Contributions Received and Contributions Made. As most of the Federal grants received are conditional upon expenditure and expenditure in accordance with cost principles, revenue should not be recognized until the relating conditions have been met and therefore right of return is overcome. Cause: Internal controls over revenue recognition and preparation of the SEFA are not designed effectively to ensure completeness and accuracy of revenues reported and the SEFA. Effect: As a result of the condition noted above, material audit adjustments were required to be posted to several grants and to the SEFA to properly report federal expenditures in the correct period, as well as revenues reported on the consolidated statement of activities. Recommendation: We recommend that management review current internal controls over revenue recognition and preparation and tracking of federal expenditures to ensure that revenue is properly reported and, all federal awards are captured and reported in the correct period and that internal controls are properly designed to detect and correct errors to the SEFA.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2022-003 Cash Management/Reporting Program(s) Name of Federal Program (Assistance Listing Number) Urban Indian Health Services (93.193) Special Diabetes Program for Indians - Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Projects (93.237) Criteria - Recipients of federal awards must minimize the time elapsing between the receipt of funds from the U.S. Treasury and disbursement by the Organization set out at 2 CFR section 200.305(b). Context and Condition - We compared two quarterly Federal Cash Transaction Reports to total disbursements reported by these two programs in the Organization’s job-costing system. In both reports we found that the amounts requested did not match the amounts in the job-costing system. Cause - Due to increased funding the Organization received to address the impact of COVID-19, disbursements were not always correctly assigned to a program when incurred. Requests for federal funds were made based on those incomplete reports that were changed subsequently and no longer represent the amounts requested. The original reports were not maintained to support the requests made. Effect - A federal program could disburse funds prior to the disbursement by the Organization. We identified that both programs had requested funds in excess of disbursements. Questioned Costs - No costs were questioned. Repeat finding - Yes Statistically valid - Yes Recommendation - We recommend the Organization 1) maintains timely and accurate recording of disbursements in its job-costing system and 2) regularly request grant funds based on amounts expended as report in the Organization’s job-costing system. Views of responsible officials - The Organization is implementing a grant tracking system in addition to its job-costing system to better comply with these requirements. Together, these systems will be used to request only the amount attributable to the program for reimbursement.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2022-003 Cash Management/Reporting Program(s) Name of Federal Program (Assistance Listing Number) Urban Indian Health Services (93.193) Special Diabetes Program for Indians - Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Projects (93.237) Criteria - Recipients of federal awards must minimize the time elapsing between the receipt of funds from the U.S. Treasury and disbursement by the Organization set out at 2 CFR section 200.305(b). Context and Condition - We compared two quarterly Federal Cash Transaction Reports to total disbursements reported by these two programs in the Organization’s job-costing system. In both reports we found that the amounts requested did not match the amounts in the job-costing system. Cause - Due to increased funding the Organization received to address the impact of COVID-19, disbursements were not always correctly assigned to a program when incurred. Requests for federal funds were made based on those incomplete reports that were changed subsequently and no longer represent the amounts requested. The original reports were not maintained to support the requests made. Effect - A federal program could disburse funds prior to the disbursement by the Organization. We identified that both programs had requested funds in excess of disbursements. Questioned Costs - No costs were questioned. Repeat finding - Yes Statistically valid - Yes Recommendation - We recommend the Organization 1) maintains timely and accurate recording of disbursements in its job-costing system and 2) regularly request grant funds based on amounts expended as report in the Organization’s job-costing system. Views of responsible officials - The Organization is implementing a grant tracking system in addition to its job-costing system to better comply with these requirements. Together, these systems will be used to request only the amount attributable to the program for reimbursement.
2 CFR 1201.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Transportation for 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3), which states, in part, 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.The County receives grants, tax rebates, and farebox revenues that are reported to reduce the total expenditures eligible for reimbursement. In the first half of 2022, the formula to calculate the drawdown contained an error that resulted in overstated expenditures. The reimbursement request was submitted based on this work paper and due to the formula error, the drawdown of funds in excess of the eligible expenditures by $50,946.By requesting funds in excess of the calculated eligible expenditures, the County cannot properly account for and expend these funds within the 30 calendar days allotted for the reimbursement method, ultimately resulting in a noncompliance.We recommend the County add additional procedures or controls to further test the accuracy of the work papers used to calculate the reimbursements, prior to submitting them.
2 CFR 1201.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Transportation for 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3), which states, in part, 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.The County receives grants, tax rebates, and farebox revenues that are reported to reduce the total expenditures eligible for reimbursement. In the first half of 2022, the formula to calculate the drawdown contained an error that resulted in overstated expenditures. The reimbursement request was submitted based on this work paper and due to the formula error, the drawdown of funds in excess of the eligible expenditures by $50,946.By requesting funds in excess of the calculated eligible expenditures, the County cannot properly account for and expend these funds within the 30 calendar days allotted for the reimbursement method, ultimately resulting in a noncompliance.We recommend the County add additional procedures or controls to further test the accuracy of the work papers used to calculate the reimbursements, prior to submitting them.
Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.305, non-Federal entities must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or pass-through entity and disbursement by the Corporation for program costs and proportionate share of allowable indirect costs. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.302(b)(c) requires non-Federal entities to establish written procedures to implement the requirements 2 CFR Section 200.305. The Federal Acquisition Regulation clause at 48 CFR section 52.216-7(b)(1) requires that the non-Federal entity request reimbursement for only allocable, allowable, and reasonable contract costs that have already been paid or incurred. Condition: During our testing of reimbursement requests, we noted that 12 out of 34 sampled requests did not have adequate supporting documentation as to evidence of timely review and approval. Cause: The Corporation did not maintain detailed listings of eligible costs incurred at the time of reimbursement request to support the amount of reimbursement requested in the Payment Management System. Additionally, the Corporation did not maintain documentation of such review or approval that such costs were incurred prior to request for reimbursement, or the amount requested was in accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.305. Eligible cost listings to support amounts drawn during the grant period in total were reconstructed to support annual activity. Effect or Potential Effect: Requests for reimbursement per the Payment Management System may not have minimized the time elapsing between payment by the Federal agency or pass through and disbursement by the Corporation and the amounts requested for reimbursement may be inaccurate. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: We selected 34 reimbursement requests submitted through the Payment Management System and DC Portal during the year ended December 31, 2022. The Corporation was unable to provide evidence of timely review and approval of 12 requests out of 34. Additionally, cost listings were not maintained and were recreated to validate amount of the draw downs during the fiscal year. This is a condition identified per review of the Corporation’s compliance with specified requirements using a statistically valid sample. Repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from prior year. This was reported as finding 2021-009 in the 2021 report. Recommendation: We recommend the Corporation establish formal internal controls, and documentation of their performance, relating to the determination of cash drawn downs and review and approval of drawn downs by appropriate personnel who is knowledgeable of such requirements. View of Responsible Officials: Due to turnover of several key financial executives and personnel and lack of formal documentation of current policies and procedures, the Corporation neither retained support eligible cost listings at the time of reimbursement request nor documented review or approval of such reimbursement request.
Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.305, non-Federal entities must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or pass-through entity and disbursement by the Corporation for program costs and proportionate share of allowable indirect costs. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.302(b)(c) requires non-Federal entities to establish written procedures to implement the requirements 2 CFR Section 200.305. The Federal Acquisition Regulation clause at 48 CFR section 52.216-7(b)(1) requires that the non-Federal entity request reimbursement for only allocable, allowable, and reasonable contract costs that have already been paid or incurred. Condition: During our testing of reimbursement requests, we noted that 12 out of 34 sampled requests did not have adequate supporting documentation as to evidence of timely review and approval. Cause: The Corporation did not maintain detailed listings of eligible costs incurred at the time of reimbursement request to support the amount of reimbursement requested in the Payment Management System. Additionally, the Corporation did not maintain documentation of such review or approval that such costs were incurred prior to request for reimbursement, or the amount requested was in accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.305. Eligible cost listings to support amounts drawn during the grant period in total were reconstructed to support annual activity. Effect or Potential Effect: Requests for reimbursement per the Payment Management System may not have minimized the time elapsing between payment by the Federal agency or pass through and disbursement by the Corporation and the amounts requested for reimbursement may be inaccurate. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: We selected 34 reimbursement requests submitted through the Payment Management System and DC Portal during the year ended December 31, 2022. The Corporation was unable to provide evidence of timely review and approval of 12 requests out of 34. Additionally, cost listings were not maintained and were recreated to validate amount of the draw downs during the fiscal year. This is a condition identified per review of the Corporation’s compliance with specified requirements using a statistically valid sample. Repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from prior year. This was reported as finding 2021-009 in the 2021 report. Recommendation: We recommend the Corporation establish formal internal controls, and documentation of their performance, relating to the determination of cash drawn downs and review and approval of drawn downs by appropriate personnel who is knowledgeable of such requirements. View of Responsible Officials: Due to turnover of several key financial executives and personnel and lack of formal documentation of current policies and procedures, the Corporation neither retained support eligible cost listings at the time of reimbursement request nor documented review or approval of such reimbursement request.
Criteria: In accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.305, non-Federal entities must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the Federal agency or pass-through entity and disbursement by the Corporation for program costs and proportionate share of allowable indirect costs. Additionally, 2 CFR Section 200.302(b)(c) requires non-Federal entities to establish written procedures to implement the requirements 2 CFR Section 200.305. The Federal Acquisition Regulation clause at 48 CFR section 52.216-7(b)(1) requires that the non-Federal entity request reimbursement for only allocable, allowable, and reasonable contract costs that have already been paid or incurred. Condition: During our testing of reimbursement requests, we noted that 12 out of 34 sampled requests did not have adequate supporting documentation as to evidence of timely review and approval. Cause: The Corporation did not maintain detailed listings of eligible costs incurred at the time of reimbursement request to support the amount of reimbursement requested in the Payment Management System. Additionally, the Corporation did not maintain documentation of such review or approval that such costs were incurred prior to request for reimbursement, or the amount requested was in accordance with 2 CFR Section 200.305. Eligible cost listings to support amounts drawn during the grant period in total were reconstructed to support annual activity. Effect or Potential Effect: Requests for reimbursement per the Payment Management System may not have minimized the time elapsing between payment by the Federal agency or pass through and disbursement by the Corporation and the amounts requested for reimbursement may be inaccurate. Questioned costs: Unknown Context: We selected 34 reimbursement requests submitted through the Payment Management System and DC Portal during the year ended December 31, 2022. The Corporation was unable to provide evidence of timely review and approval of 12 requests out of 34. Additionally, cost listings were not maintained and were recreated to validate amount of the draw downs during the fiscal year. This is a condition identified per review of the Corporation’s compliance with specified requirements using a statistically valid sample. Repeat finding: This is a repeat finding from prior year. This was reported as finding 2021-009 in the 2021 report. Recommendation: We recommend the Corporation establish formal internal controls, and documentation of their performance, relating to the determination of cash drawn downs and review and approval of drawn downs by appropriate personnel who is knowledgeable of such requirements. View of Responsible Officials: Due to turnover of several key financial executives and personnel and lack of formal documentation of current policies and procedures, the Corporation neither retained support eligible cost listings at the time of reimbursement request nor documented review or approval of such reimbursement request.
Information on the Federal Program(s): 10.760 Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities, Department of Agriculture 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance Requirements: Cash Management. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(6) requires that each non-Federal entity must provide for written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment during fiscal year 2022. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Effect: Failure to have written procedures to ensure the compliance with the 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment could result in federal award drawdown requests by the City to be overstated as to immediate cash flow needs, noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, and terms and conditions of the Federal award. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City identify grants that are subject to the Uniform Guidance on a timely basis to ensure all compliance requirements are met and develop written procedures where required. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The City has identified federal grants subject to the Uniform Guidance and will develop written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment.
Information on the Federal Program(s): 10.760 Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities, Department of Agriculture 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance Requirements: Cash Management. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(6) requires that each non-Federal entity must provide for written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment during fiscal year 2022. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Effect: Failure to have written procedures to ensure the compliance with the 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment could result in federal award drawdown requests by the City to be overstated as to immediate cash flow needs, noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, and terms and conditions of the Federal award. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City identify grants that are subject to the Uniform Guidance on a timely basis to ensure all compliance requirements are met and develop written procedures where required. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The City has identified federal grants subject to the Uniform Guidance and will develop written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment.
Information on the Federal Program(s): 10.760 Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities, Department of Agriculture 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program, Department of Housing and Urban Development Compliance Requirements: Cash Management. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(6) requires that each non-Federal entity must provide for written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment during fiscal year 2022. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Effect: Failure to have written procedures to ensure the compliance with the 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment could result in federal award drawdown requests by the City to be overstated as to immediate cash flow needs, noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, and terms and conditions of the Federal award. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City identify grants that are subject to the Uniform Guidance on a timely basis to ensure all compliance requirements are met and develop written procedures where required. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The City has identified federal grants subject to the Uniform Guidance and will develop written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment.
Finding 2022–002: Cash Management Federal Department: U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Agencies: State of South Carolina Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Education, and DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education Federal Program Name: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers Assistance Listing Number: 84.287 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart D – Post-Federal Award Requirements Standards Section 200.305, Federal Payments states “when the reimbursement method is used, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must make payment within 30 calendar days after receipt of the payment request unless the Federal agency or pass-through entity reasonably believes the request to be improper.” 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3) requires that expenditures be incurred prior to the date of the reimbursement request. Condition/Context During the current audit period, CDF is not in accordance with federal regulations regarding the cash management requirements. Exceptions noted in 30 of 30 tested reimbursement requests: For all 30 requests, we were not provided with adequate documentation to determine that expenditures were incurred prior to the date of the reimbursement request. We were only provided with system generated expenditures reports, instead of actual invoices, payroll registers, and payment support. For one request, we did not receive any supporting documentation to substantiate the amount requested. For two requests, we were not provided with the evidence to support the reimbursement requests were internally reviewed and approved prior to submission. Cause Based on our discussions with management, this finding occurred due to staff turnover. This resulted in consistent documentation not maintained to trace the reimbursement submissions to pass-through entities. Effect The failure to maintain adequate documentation to verify the reimbursement request submissions to pass-through entities could result in duplicate submissions of reimbursement requests and delayed reimbursements. Questioned Costs Unable to determine. Identification of Repeat Findings Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that CDF implement procedures to ensure all reimbursement requests are properly reviewed and approved and submission documentation is maintained in accordance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan CDF agrees with the finding and recommendation. See CDF’s Corrective Action Plan on pages 17-18.
Finding 2022–002: Cash Management Federal Department: U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Agencies: State of South Carolina Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Education, and DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education Federal Program Name: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers Assistance Listing Number: 84.287 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart D – Post-Federal Award Requirements Standards Section 200.305, Federal Payments states “when the reimbursement method is used, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must make payment within 30 calendar days after receipt of the payment request unless the Federal agency or pass-through entity reasonably believes the request to be improper.” 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3) requires that expenditures be incurred prior to the date of the reimbursement request. Condition/Context During the current audit period, CDF is not in accordance with federal regulations regarding the cash management requirements. Exceptions noted in 30 of 30 tested reimbursement requests: For all 30 requests, we were not provided with adequate documentation to determine that expenditures were incurred prior to the date of the reimbursement request. We were only provided with system generated expenditures reports, instead of actual invoices, payroll registers, and payment support. For one request, we did not receive any supporting documentation to substantiate the amount requested. For two requests, we were not provided with the evidence to support the reimbursement requests were internally reviewed and approved prior to submission. Cause Based on our discussions with management, this finding occurred due to staff turnover. This resulted in consistent documentation not maintained to trace the reimbursement submissions to pass-through entities. Effect The failure to maintain adequate documentation to verify the reimbursement request submissions to pass-through entities could result in duplicate submissions of reimbursement requests and delayed reimbursements. Questioned Costs Unable to determine. Identification of Repeat Findings Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that CDF implement procedures to ensure all reimbursement requests are properly reviewed and approved and submission documentation is maintained in accordance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan CDF agrees with the finding and recommendation. See CDF’s Corrective Action Plan on pages 17-18.
Finding 2022–002: Cash Management Federal Department: U.S. Department of Education Pass-through Agencies: State of South Carolina Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Education, and DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education Federal Program Name: Twenty-First Century Community Learning Centers Assistance Listing Number: 84.287 Type of Finding: Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Material Noncompliance (Modified Opinion) Criteria 2 CFR Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Subpart D – Post-Federal Award Requirements Standards Section 200.305, Federal Payments states “when the reimbursement method is used, the Federal agency or pass-through entity must make payment within 30 calendar days after receipt of the payment request unless the Federal agency or pass-through entity reasonably believes the request to be improper.” 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(3) requires that expenditures be incurred prior to the date of the reimbursement request. Condition/Context During the current audit period, CDF is not in accordance with federal regulations regarding the cash management requirements. Exceptions noted in 30 of 30 tested reimbursement requests: For all 30 requests, we were not provided with adequate documentation to determine that expenditures were incurred prior to the date of the reimbursement request. We were only provided with system generated expenditures reports, instead of actual invoices, payroll registers, and payment support. For one request, we did not receive any supporting documentation to substantiate the amount requested. For two requests, we were not provided with the evidence to support the reimbursement requests were internally reviewed and approved prior to submission. Cause Based on our discussions with management, this finding occurred due to staff turnover. This resulted in consistent documentation not maintained to trace the reimbursement submissions to pass-through entities. Effect The failure to maintain adequate documentation to verify the reimbursement request submissions to pass-through entities could result in duplicate submissions of reimbursement requests and delayed reimbursements. Questioned Costs Unable to determine. Identification of Repeat Findings Not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend that CDF implement procedures to ensure all reimbursement requests are properly reviewed and approved and submission documentation is maintained in accordance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan CDF agrees with the finding and recommendation. See CDF’s Corrective Action Plan on pages 17-18.
Finding 2022-001: Cash Management (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Criteria: CFR §200.305 states when 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. It also states that excess cash should be returned. Condition: RoboNation received funds in excess of expenditures. Context: Our audit procedures consisted of compliance testwork over RoboNation's reimbursements for funds on all awards included within the research and development cluster. We consider our sample to be representative of the population and a statistically valid sample. Cause: RoboNation requested reimbursement of funds in excess of actual billings. Effect: RoboNation overbilled a grant and had excess cash on hand. This could lead to RoboNation having to return the funds. Questioned Costs: Undetermined Identification as Repeat Finding, if Applicable: 2021-002 Recommendation: We recommend that management of RoboNation be more mindful of the U.S. Government regulations with respect to billings and ensure billings are accurate and properly stated.
Finding 2022-001: Cash Management (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Criteria: CFR §200.305 states when 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. It also states that excess cash should be returned. Condition: RoboNation received funds in excess of expenditures. Context: Our audit procedures consisted of compliance testwork over RoboNation's reimbursements for funds on all awards included within the research and development cluster. We consider our sample to be representative of the population and a statistically valid sample. Cause: RoboNation requested reimbursement of funds in excess of actual billings. Effect: RoboNation overbilled a grant and had excess cash on hand. This could lead to RoboNation having to return the funds. Questioned Costs: Undetermined Identification as Repeat Finding, if Applicable: 2021-002 Recommendation: We recommend that management of RoboNation be more mindful of the U.S. Government regulations with respect to billings and ensure billings are accurate and properly stated.
Finding 2022-001: Cash Management (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Criteria: CFR §200.305 states when 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. It also states that excess cash should be returned. Condition: RoboNation received funds in excess of expenditures. Context: Our audit procedures consisted of compliance testwork over RoboNation's reimbursements for funds on all awards included within the research and development cluster. We consider our sample to be representative of the population and a statistically valid sample. Cause: RoboNation requested reimbursement of funds in excess of actual billings. Effect: RoboNation overbilled a grant and had excess cash on hand. This could lead to RoboNation having to return the funds. Questioned Costs: Undetermined Identification as Repeat Finding, if Applicable: 2021-002 Recommendation: We recommend that management of RoboNation be more mindful of the U.S. Government regulations with respect to billings and ensure billings are accurate and properly stated.
Finding 2022-001: Cash Management (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Criteria: CFR §200.305 states when 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. It also states that excess cash should be returned. Condition: RoboNation received funds in excess of expenditures. Context: Our audit procedures consisted of compliance testwork over RoboNation's reimbursements for funds on all awards included within the research and development cluster. We consider our sample to be representative of the population and a statistically valid sample. Cause: RoboNation requested reimbursement of funds in excess of actual billings. Effect: RoboNation overbilled a grant and had excess cash on hand. This could lead to RoboNation having to return the funds. Questioned Costs: Undetermined Identification as Repeat Finding, if Applicable: 2021-002 Recommendation: We recommend that management of RoboNation be more mindful of the U.S. Government regulations with respect to billings and ensure billings are accurate and properly stated.
Finding 2022-001: Cash Management (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Criteria: CFR §200.305 states when 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. It also states that excess cash should be returned. Condition: RoboNation received funds in excess of expenditures. Context: Our audit procedures consisted of compliance testwork over RoboNation's reimbursements for funds on all awards included within the research and development cluster. We consider our sample to be representative of the population and a statistically valid sample. Cause: RoboNation requested reimbursement of funds in excess of actual billings. Effect: RoboNation overbilled a grant and had excess cash on hand. This could lead to RoboNation having to return the funds. Questioned Costs: Undetermined Identification as Repeat Finding, if Applicable: 2021-002 Recommendation: We recommend that management of RoboNation be more mindful of the U.S. Government regulations with respect to billings and ensure billings are accurate and properly stated.
Finding 2022-001: Cash Management (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Criteria: CFR §200.305 states when 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. It also states that excess cash should be returned. Condition: RoboNation received funds in excess of expenditures. Context: Our audit procedures consisted of compliance testwork over RoboNation's reimbursements for funds on all awards included within the research and development cluster. We consider our sample to be representative of the population and a statistically valid sample. Cause: RoboNation requested reimbursement of funds in excess of actual billings. Effect: RoboNation overbilled a grant and had excess cash on hand. This could lead to RoboNation having to return the funds. Questioned Costs: Undetermined Identification as Repeat Finding, if Applicable: 2021-002 Recommendation: We recommend that management of RoboNation be more mindful of the U.S. Government regulations with respect to billings and ensure billings are accurate and properly stated.
Finding 2022-001: Cash Management (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Criteria: CFR §200.305 states when 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. It also states that excess cash should be returned. Condition: RoboNation received funds in excess of expenditures. Context: Our audit procedures consisted of compliance testwork over RoboNation's reimbursements for funds on all awards included within the research and development cluster. We consider our sample to be representative of the population and a statistically valid sample. Cause: RoboNation requested reimbursement of funds in excess of actual billings. Effect: RoboNation overbilled a grant and had excess cash on hand. This could lead to RoboNation having to return the funds. Questioned Costs: Undetermined Identification as Repeat Finding, if Applicable: 2021-002 Recommendation: We recommend that management of RoboNation be more mindful of the U.S. Government regulations with respect to billings and ensure billings are accurate and properly stated.
Finding 2022-001: Cash Management (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Criteria: CFR §200.305 states when 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. It also states that excess cash should be returned. Condition: RoboNation received funds in excess of expenditures. Context: Our audit procedures consisted of compliance testwork over RoboNation's reimbursements for funds on all awards included within the research and development cluster. We consider our sample to be representative of the population and a statistically valid sample. Cause: RoboNation requested reimbursement of funds in excess of actual billings. Effect: RoboNation overbilled a grant and had excess cash on hand. This could lead to RoboNation having to return the funds. Questioned Costs: Undetermined Identification as Repeat Finding, if Applicable: 2021-002 Recommendation: We recommend that management of RoboNation be more mindful of the U.S. Government regulations with respect to billings and ensure billings are accurate and properly stated.
Finding 2022-001: Cash Management (Significant Deficiency) Information on the Federal Program: Research and Development Cluster Criteria: CFR §200.305 states when 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. It also states that excess cash should be returned. Condition: RoboNation received funds in excess of expenditures. Context: Our audit procedures consisted of compliance testwork over RoboNation's reimbursements for funds on all awards included within the research and development cluster. We consider our sample to be representative of the population and a statistically valid sample. Cause: RoboNation requested reimbursement of funds in excess of actual billings. Effect: RoboNation overbilled a grant and had excess cash on hand. This could lead to RoboNation having to return the funds. Questioned Costs: Undetermined Identification as Repeat Finding, if Applicable: 2021-002 Recommendation: We recommend that management of RoboNation be more mindful of the U.S. Government regulations with respect to billings and ensure billings are accurate and properly stated.
Federal agency name: U.S. National Science Foundation Federal program title: Geosciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering & Office of Cyber Infrastructure AL No.: 47.050, 47.070, 47.079 & 47.080 Federal Award Identification No. & Award Period: EAR-1849458 (06/01/2019 -05/31/2024), EAR-2012893 (10/01/2020 – 08/31/2025), OAC-1931278 (10/1/2019 – 09/30/2022), OAC- 1829744 (09/01/2018 – 08/31/2023), OAC-1835592 (01/01/2009 – 12/31/2022), OAC-1835818 (10/01/2018 – 09/30/2022), OAC-2103780 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026), OAC-2118329 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026),OISE-1855654 (05/15/2019 – 12/31/2023) & OAC-1664061 (10/01/17 – 09/30/2022) Pass Through Entity: Utah State University MW2022-007 CASH MANAGEMENT - FEDERAL DRAWDOWNS IN ADVANCE OF EXPENDITURES Material Weakness Criteria CFR § 200.305 Cash management: This section of the CFR outlines the requirements for the management of cash drawdowns and disbursements of federal funds. Federal funds should be disbursed in a timely manner for allowable costs that have been incurred. Cash advances must meet the conditions specified in Chapter VIII.C.3 of the grant agreement with the National Science Foundation. Condition CUAHSI did not meet the conditions specified in Chapter VIII.C.3 of the grant agreement with the National Science Foundation which details the requirements for advance fundings. During 2022, CUAHSI had advance drawdowns totaling $3,862,318 from the NSF. Of this amount, CUAHSI incurred $3,228,996 in eligible expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022. This resulted in $633,322 in excess federal advances as of year-end. The draw downs in excess of revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022 are reported as part of advances payable in the accompanying Statement of Financial Position. Cause & Context CUAHSI initiated advance drawdowns without following the guidelines set forth by Chapter VIII.C.3 of the grant agreement.Effect Drawing down funds in advance of incurring eligible expenses could lead to non-compliance with federal regulations, such as those outlined in 2 CFR § 200.305. This may result in the need to repay the funds, potential financial penalties, or disqualification from future federal funding. Questioned Costs None Prior Year Audit Finding Yes, previously reported as MW2021-008. Recommendation The auditor recommends that CUAHSI develops and implements controls over policies consistent with 2 CFR 200.35. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
Federal agency name: U.S. National Science Foundation Federal program title: Geosciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering & Office of Cyber Infrastructure AL No.: 47.050, 47.070, 47.079 & 47.080 Federal Award Identification No. & Award Period: EAR-1849458 (06/01/2019 -05/31/2024), EAR-2012893 (10/01/2020 – 08/31/2025), OAC-1931278 (10/1/2019 – 09/30/2022), OAC- 1829744 (09/01/2018 – 08/31/2023), OAC-1835592 (01/01/2009 – 12/31/2022), OAC-1835818 (10/01/2018 – 09/30/2022), OAC-2103780 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026), OAC-2118329 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026),OISE-1855654 (05/15/2019 – 12/31/2023) & OAC-1664061 (10/01/17 – 09/30/2022) Pass Through Entity: Utah State University MW2022-007 CASH MANAGEMENT - FEDERAL DRAWDOWNS IN ADVANCE OF EXPENDITURES Material Weakness Criteria CFR § 200.305 Cash management: This section of the CFR outlines the requirements for the management of cash drawdowns and disbursements of federal funds. Federal funds should be disbursed in a timely manner for allowable costs that have been incurred. Cash advances must meet the conditions specified in Chapter VIII.C.3 of the grant agreement with the National Science Foundation. Condition CUAHSI did not meet the conditions specified in Chapter VIII.C.3 of the grant agreement with the National Science Foundation which details the requirements for advance fundings. During 2022, CUAHSI had advance drawdowns totaling $3,862,318 from the NSF. Of this amount, CUAHSI incurred $3,228,996 in eligible expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022. This resulted in $633,322 in excess federal advances as of year-end. The draw downs in excess of revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022 are reported as part of advances payable in the accompanying Statement of Financial Position. Cause & Context CUAHSI initiated advance drawdowns without following the guidelines set forth by Chapter VIII.C.3 of the grant agreement.Effect Drawing down funds in advance of incurring eligible expenses could lead to non-compliance with federal regulations, such as those outlined in 2 CFR § 200.305. This may result in the need to repay the funds, potential financial penalties, or disqualification from future federal funding. Questioned Costs None Prior Year Audit Finding Yes, previously reported as MW2021-008. Recommendation The auditor recommends that CUAHSI develops and implements controls over policies consistent with 2 CFR 200.35. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
Federal agency name: U.S. National Science Foundation Federal program title: Geosciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering & Office of Cyber Infrastructure AL No.: 47.050, 47.070, 47.079 & 47.080 Federal Award Identification No. & Award Period: EAR-1849458 (06/01/2019 -05/31/2024), EAR-2012893 (10/01/2020 – 08/31/2025), OAC-1931278 (10/1/2019 – 09/30/2022), OAC- 1829744 (09/01/2018 – 08/31/2023), OAC-1835592 (01/01/2009 – 12/31/2022), OAC-1835818 (10/01/2018 – 09/30/2022), OAC-2103780 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026), OAC-2118329 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026),OISE-1855654 (05/15/2019 – 12/31/2023) & OAC-1664061 (10/01/17 – 09/30/2022) Pass Through Entity: Utah State University MW2022-007 CASH MANAGEMENT - FEDERAL DRAWDOWNS IN ADVANCE OF EXPENDITURES Material Weakness Criteria CFR § 200.305 Cash management: This section of the CFR outlines the requirements for the management of cash drawdowns and disbursements of federal funds. Federal funds should be disbursed in a timely manner for allowable costs that have been incurred. Cash advances must meet the conditions specified in Chapter VIII.C.3 of the grant agreement with the National Science Foundation. Condition CUAHSI did not meet the conditions specified in Chapter VIII.C.3 of the grant agreement with the National Science Foundation which details the requirements for advance fundings. During 2022, CUAHSI had advance drawdowns totaling $3,862,318 from the NSF. Of this amount, CUAHSI incurred $3,228,996 in eligible expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022. This resulted in $633,322 in excess federal advances as of year-end. The draw downs in excess of revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022 are reported as part of advances payable in the accompanying Statement of Financial Position. Cause & Context CUAHSI initiated advance drawdowns without following the guidelines set forth by Chapter VIII.C.3 of the grant agreement.Effect Drawing down funds in advance of incurring eligible expenses could lead to non-compliance with federal regulations, such as those outlined in 2 CFR § 200.305. This may result in the need to repay the funds, potential financial penalties, or disqualification from future federal funding. Questioned Costs None Prior Year Audit Finding Yes, previously reported as MW2021-008. Recommendation The auditor recommends that CUAHSI develops and implements controls over policies consistent with 2 CFR 200.35. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
Federal agency name: U.S. National Science Foundation Federal program title: Geosciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering & Office of Cyber Infrastructure AL No.: 47.050, 47.070, 47.079 & 47.080 Federal Award Identification No. & Award Period: EAR-1849458 (06/01/2019 -05/31/2024), EAR-2012893 (10/01/2020 – 08/31/2025), OAC-1931278 (10/1/2019 – 09/30/2022), OAC- 1829744 (09/01/2018 – 08/31/2023), OAC-1835592 (01/01/2009 – 12/31/2022), OAC-1835818 (10/01/2018 – 09/30/2022), OAC-2103780 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026), OAC-2118329 (10/01/2021 – 09/30/2026),OISE-1855654 (05/15/2019 – 12/31/2023) & OAC-1664061 (10/01/17 – 09/30/2022) Pass Through Entity: Utah State University MW2022-007 CASH MANAGEMENT - FEDERAL DRAWDOWNS IN ADVANCE OF EXPENDITURES Material Weakness Criteria CFR § 200.305 Cash management: This section of the CFR outlines the requirements for the management of cash drawdowns and disbursements of federal funds. Federal funds should be disbursed in a timely manner for allowable costs that have been incurred. Cash advances must meet the conditions specified in Chapter VIII.C.3 of the grant agreement with the National Science Foundation. Condition CUAHSI did not meet the conditions specified in Chapter VIII.C.3 of the grant agreement with the National Science Foundation which details the requirements for advance fundings. During 2022, CUAHSI had advance drawdowns totaling $3,862,318 from the NSF. Of this amount, CUAHSI incurred $3,228,996 in eligible expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022. This resulted in $633,322 in excess federal advances as of year-end. The draw downs in excess of revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2022 are reported as part of advances payable in the accompanying Statement of Financial Position. Cause & Context CUAHSI initiated advance drawdowns without following the guidelines set forth by Chapter VIII.C.3 of the grant agreement.Effect Drawing down funds in advance of incurring eligible expenses could lead to non-compliance with federal regulations, such as those outlined in 2 CFR § 200.305. This may result in the need to repay the funds, potential financial penalties, or disqualification from future federal funding. Questioned Costs None Prior Year Audit Finding Yes, previously reported as MW2021-008. Recommendation The auditor recommends that CUAHSI develops and implements controls over policies consistent with 2 CFR 200.35. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action See accompanying Corrective Action Plan.
1. Provide staff training on proper cash management and documentation standards under 2 CFR § 200.305.
1. Provide staff training on proper cash management and documentation standards under 2 CFR § 200.305.
1. Provide staff training on proper cash management and documentation standards under 2 CFR § 200.305.
2 CFR 200.302(b)(6) requires that non-Federal entities establish written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR 200.305. The FAR clause at 48 CFR section 52.216-7 applies to reimbursement payment. Paragraph (b)(1) of that clause requires that the non-federal entity request reimbursement for (a) only allocable, allowable, and reasonable contract costs that have already been paid, or (b) if the non-federal entity is not delinquent in paying costs of contract performance in the ordinary course of business, costs incurred, but not necessarily paid. Article V, Section B states: 1. Periodically, but not more frequently than once every 30 calendar days, the Non-Federal Sponsor shall provide the Government with a sufficient invoice for costs the Non-Federal Sponsor has incurred for the Project. 2. Upon receipt of such sufficient invoice, the Government shall review the costs identified therein and shall determine: (a) the amount to be included in total project costs, subject to the limitations in Article II.C. of this Agreement; (b) the total costs incurred by the parties to date (including the value of lands, easements, rights-of-way, and relocations, and the costs of permits determined in accordance with Article V of this Agreement); (c) each party’s share of total project costs and the costs of data recovery activities associated with historic preservation in accordance with Article II.P. of this Agreement incurred by the parties to date; (d) the costs incurred by each party to date; (e) the total amount of reimbursements the Government has made to date in accordance with this paragraph; (f) the balance of Federal funds available for the Project, as of the date of such review; (g) the amount of reimbursement, if any, due to the Non-Federal Sponsor; and (h) the amount that actually will be paid to the Non-Federal Sponsor (hereinafter the “payment amount”) if the amount of reimbursement determined above cannot be fully paid due to an insufficiency of Federal funds or the limitations of the Section 594 Program Limit for Ohio or the Section 102 Limit. Article I, Section K state the term “sufficient invoice” shall mean documentation provided by the Non-Federal Sponsor containing the following: (1) a written certification by the Non-Federal Sponsor to the Government that it has made specified payments to contractors, suppliers, or employees for performance of work in accordance with this Agreement, or a written certification by the Non-Federal Sponsor to the Government that it has received bills from contractors, suppliers, or employees for performance of work in accordance with this Agreement; (2) copies of all relevant invoices and evidence of such payments or bills received; (3) written identification of such costs that have been paid with Federal program funds and a copy of the written verification from the Federal agency that provided the funds; and (4) a written request for reimbursement for the amount of such specified payments or bills received. The Village received funding from various sources for the project. Due to cash flow issues, the Village often used alternate funding to meet federal obligations, leaving an accumulation of federal funds on hand during the year. The Village also does not have any formal policies in place regarding cash management requirements. We recommend that the Village more closely monitor its reimbursement requests in relation to actual expenditures paid to ensure that the Village does not accumulate federal funds. Additionally, the Village should adopt formal policies and procedures that address cash management requirements.
Assistance Listing Number: 93.958 Name of Federal Program: Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services Name of Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Name of Pass-through Entities and Award Periods: Wisconsin Department of Health Services – October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, April 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022, October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division – January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, and Milwaukee County Department of Health Services – January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities must establish policies and procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR section 200.305. Program costs must be incurred by non-federal entity before submitting a reimbursement request. Condition: During our testing of reimbursement requests, we identified amounts that were requested for reimbursement prior to the expenses being incurred. Cause: Sufficient internal controls for reimbursement requests have not been implemented to ensure costs have been incurred prior to requests for reimbursement. Effect or Potential Effect: Noncompliance with cash management requirements occurred within the federal program and costs incurred could be disallowed. Context and Questioned Costs: A sample of 6 reimbursement requests totaling $135,397 was selected for testing from a population of 10 reimbursement requests totaling $347,508. The testing found 1 reimbursement request totaling $32,073 that included $21,180 of expenses that had not been incurred as of the date of the reimbursement request. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: Additional internal controls for reimbursement requests should be implemented, including having another individual outside the process review and approve reimbursement requests prior to submission or require detailed accounting expense transactions be included with reimbursement requests to ensure expenses have been incurred prior to reimbursement. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding and the Organization and outsourced accounting rep will meet monthly to review cost reports and correlating invoices together before approving and submitting to the funder to ensure no invoices are submitted in advance of incurring expenses.
Assistance Listing Number: 93.958 Name of Federal Program: Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services Name of Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Name of Pass-through Entities and Award Periods: Wisconsin Department of Health Services – October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, April 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022, October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division – January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, and Milwaukee County Department of Health Services – January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities must establish policies and procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR section 200.305. Program costs must be incurred by non-federal entity before submitting a reimbursement request. Condition: During our testing of reimbursement requests, we identified amounts that were requested for reimbursement prior to the expenses being incurred. Cause: Sufficient internal controls for reimbursement requests have not been implemented to ensure costs have been incurred prior to requests for reimbursement. Effect or Potential Effect: Noncompliance with cash management requirements occurred within the federal program and costs incurred could be disallowed. Context and Questioned Costs: A sample of 6 reimbursement requests totaling $135,397 was selected for testing from a population of 10 reimbursement requests totaling $347,508. The testing found 1 reimbursement request totaling $32,073 that included $21,180 of expenses that had not been incurred as of the date of the reimbursement request. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: Additional internal controls for reimbursement requests should be implemented, including having another individual outside the process review and approve reimbursement requests prior to submission or require detailed accounting expense transactions be included with reimbursement requests to ensure expenses have been incurred prior to reimbursement. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding and the Organization and outsourced accounting rep will meet monthly to review cost reports and correlating invoices together before approving and submitting to the funder to ensure no invoices are submitted in advance of incurring expenses.
Assistance Listing Number: 93.958 Name of Federal Program: Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services Name of Federal Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Name of Pass-through Entities and Award Periods: Wisconsin Department of Health Services – October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, April 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022, October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division – January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, and Milwaukee County Department of Health Services – January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 Criteria or Specific Requirement: Non-federal entities must establish policies and procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR section 200.305. Program costs must be incurred by non-federal entity before submitting a reimbursement request. Condition: During our testing of reimbursement requests, we identified amounts that were requested for reimbursement prior to the expenses being incurred. Cause: Sufficient internal controls for reimbursement requests have not been implemented to ensure costs have been incurred prior to requests for reimbursement. Effect or Potential Effect: Noncompliance with cash management requirements occurred within the federal program and costs incurred could be disallowed. Context and Questioned Costs: A sample of 6 reimbursement requests totaling $135,397 was selected for testing from a population of 10 reimbursement requests totaling $347,508. The testing found 1 reimbursement request totaling $32,073 that included $21,180 of expenses that had not been incurred as of the date of the reimbursement request. Repeat Finding: No Recommendation: Additional internal controls for reimbursement requests should be implemented, including having another individual outside the process review and approve reimbursement requests prior to submission or require detailed accounting expense transactions be included with reimbursement requests to ensure expenses have been incurred prior to reimbursement. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding and the Organization and outsourced accounting rep will meet monthly to review cost reports and correlating invoices together before approving and submitting to the funder to ensure no invoices are submitted in advance of incurring expenses.
Finding #: 2022-002 Cash Management – Noncompliance (not material to compliance requirement) Identification of Federal Program and Award Program title: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): Public Health Services Act, Title III, Section 330 (Health Center Cluster) CFDA #: 93.224/93.527 Award #: C8E44790 Program Year: 2022 Criteria Pursuant to 2 CFR section 200.305(b), Non-Federal entities must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the U.S. 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. Under the advance payment method, a non-Federal entity must be paid in advance provided that it maintains, or demonstrates the willingness to maintain, both written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the U.S. Treasury and disbursement by the non-Federal entity, as well as a financial management system that meets the specified standards for fund control and accountability. Condition During our testing of cash management, we noted an instance of noncompliance relating to the health center’s effort to minimize the time between drawing and disbursing federal funds. 1 out of 6 drawdowns was identified as a portion of unearned revenue. Upon further inspection, auditor identified a total of $74,580 in deferred revenue that was not disbursed timely (time elapsed between the transfer of funds and disbursement exceeded the three-day rule). Cause Health center personnel were not following cash management policies and procedures (“DHHS Draw Down Procedure #2.530”) that comply with 2 CFR section 200.305(b). Effect Possibility of interest payments due, and of draw down restriction being placed on Payment Management System (PMS) account or denial of future funding. Questioned Costs $74,580 Perspective Information We tested a statistically valid sample of 6 out of 17 total cash drawdowns and determined that the audit finding represented an isolated instance. Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeated finding. Recommendation We recommend that management review DHHS draw down policies and procedures in place to ensure CAMcare is in compliance with the compliance requirements of 2 CFR section 200.305(b). Views of Responsible Officials Management recognizes the noncompliance; on November 29, 2023, CAMcare’s CEO, Jillian Hudspeth, and CFO, Christopher Bernardi, agreed with this finding, and explained that CAMcare’s original budget for the C8E grant was to expand operations at the Clementon location. However, after the initial site plans and architectural drawings were completed and paid for, the costs of materials and labor had increased significantly due to supply chain issues. Management made the decision to cancel the project and pivot to different areas of need. Because the project was cancelled, HRSA disallowed the site plan and architecture costs. CAMcare’s CFO and grant manager at the time were given verbal approval to reduce a future drawdown by the amount that had been disallowed.
Finding #: 2022-003 Period of Performance – Noncompliance (not material to compliance requirement) Identification of Federal Program and Award Program title: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): Public Health Services Act, Title III, Section 330 (Health Center Cluster) CFDA #: 93.224/93.527 Award #: H8DCS36483 Program Year: 2022 Criteria Pursuant to 2 CFR sections 200.308, 200.309, and 200.403(h), a non-Federal entity may charge to the Federal award only allowable costs incurred during the approved budget period of a federal award's period of performance and any costs incurred before the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity made the Federal award that were authorized by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity. Pursuant to 2 CFR section 200.305(b)(5), to the extent available, the non-Federal entity must disburse funds available from program income and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments. Condition During our testing of period of performance, we noted instances of noncompliance relating to the health center’s recognition of expenditures beyond the award’s period of performance. After inspection of invoices and canceled checks supporting disbursements tested, the auditor identified 3 out of 40 expenditures where costs were incurred after the period of performance end date. Upon further investigation, the auditor determined that $153,005 of the $433,455 amount reported as 2022 federal expenditures under award H8DCS36483 was incurred beyond the period of performance end date. Cause Health center personnel were not following financial expense allocation of revenue policies and procedures, which state that federal funds will be utilized according to regulations and what is established on the budget information form submitted with the grant application. Effect Possibility of interest payments due, and of draw down restriction being placed on Payment Management System (PMS) account or denial of future funding. Questioned Costs $153,005 Perspective Information We tested a statistically valid sample of 40 out of 250+ federal expenditures and determined that the audit finding represented a systemic problem. Repeat Finding This finding is not a repeated finding. Recommendation We recommend that management review financial expense allocation of revenue policies and closely monitor grant procedures in place to ensure CAMcare is in compliance with budget information stipulated in grant agreements. Views of Responsible Officials Management recognizes the noncompliance; on November 29, 2023, CAMcare’s CEO, Jillian Hudspeth, and CFO, Christopher Bernardi, agreed with this finding, and explained that the issue occurred during a time period when none of the current authorizing officials were employed by CAMcare.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY KANSAS ADJUANT GENERAL SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY 2022-001: Disaster Grants – Public Assistance Grant period: Year Ended December 31, 2022 Condition and Context: The County does not have a complete set of written cash management policies and procedures as required by the Uniform Guidance. The lack of written procedures did not result in any material noncompliance, fraud or abuse with respect to the major program. Criteria: The Uniform Guidance requires Non-Federal entities other than States, including those operating Federal programs as subrecipients of States, to follow the cash management standards set out at 2 CFR section 200.305. The County must have a complete set of written cash management policies, which conform to applicable Federal statutes and the cash management requirements identified in 2 CFR part 200. Cause: The County was unaware of the written cash management policy requirements required by the Uniform Guidance. Effect: An important component of internal controls is the existence of operating policies and procedures and that they are clearly understood and communicated. Without clear written policies and procedures, there is a higher risk of noncompliance with program requirements. Recommendation: Management should determine the scope of written policies needed for compliance with all federal programs and develop policies and procedures to comply with the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and recommendation. The County’s existing policies are currently under review by management and staff to determine what updates/changes are necessary in order to meet the Uniform Guidance requirements. Once any updates/changes are drafted, the policy will be presented to the Governing Body for review and approval.
Criteria: Cash management requirements of federal grants are contained in 2 CFR sections 200.302(b)(6) and 200.305, 31 CFR part 205, 48 CFR sections 52.216-7(b) and 52.232-12, as well as federal awarding agency regulations and terms and conditions of the federal award. The Organization must establish written procedures around cash management and must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the U.S. Treasury and disbursement by the Organization. Condition: The Organization does not have written procedures around cash management and requests to draw down funds from the federal agency were in excess of current expenditures, resulting in excess time between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the Organization. Effect: As of December 31, 2022, $70,267 of funds had been drawn down from the federal agency in excess of expenditures. Cause: The Organization tracks federal expenditures in the accounting software and the individual that requests the funds from the federal agency does not verify the amount of expenditures with the accounting software and requests an estimated amount each month. Identification of repeat finding: This is not a repeat finding from a previous audit. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization develop written policies and procedures around cash management and request funds monthly based on the actual expenditures of that month to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the U.S. Treasury and disbursement by the Organization. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: The Organization agrees with this finding and will implement written policies and procedures around cash management.
Information on the Federal Program: Assistance Listing Number 10.763—Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, United States Department of Agriculture. Compliance Requirements: Cash Management. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(6) requires that each non-Federal entity must provide for written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment during fiscal year 2022. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Effect: Failure to have written procedures to ensure the compliance with the 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment could result in federal award drawdown requests by the City to be overstated as to immediate cash flow needs, noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, and terms and conditions of the Federal award. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City identify grants that are subject to the Uniform Guidance on a timely basis to ensure all compliance requirements are met and develop written procedures where required.
Information on the Federal Program: Assistance Listing Number 10.763—Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, United States Department of Agriculture. Compliance Requirements: Cash Management. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.302(b)(6) requires that each non-Federal entity must provide for written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment during fiscal year 2022. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written procedures to implement the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment. Effect: Failure to have written procedures to ensure the compliance with the 2 CFR § 200.305 Payment could result in federal award drawdown requests by the City to be overstated as to immediate cash flow needs, noncompliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, and terms and conditions of the Federal award. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City identify grants that are subject to the Uniform Guidance on a timely basis to ensure all compliance requirements are met and develop written procedures where required.
Finding 2022-002 ? Cash Management ? Pass-through Entities Identification of the federal program U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Research and Development Cluster All Assistance Listing Nos. with amounts provided to subrecipients ? 12.420, 93.242, 93.279, 93.351, 93.855, and 93.866 Federal Award Numbers Grant Period 5R01AI123047-05 8/15/2017-7/31/2022 1R56AG073316-01 9/01/2021-8/31/2023 W81XWH1910496 5/01/2020-10/31/2023 1R01MH130193-01 4/05/2022-2/28/2023 7R01MH116844-04 7/01/2020-1/31/2022 R01MH116844-05 2/01/2022-1/31/2024 5R01DA052845-03 7/01/2022-6/30/2023 5R01DA052845-02 7/01/2021-6/30/2022 2P51OD011133-23 5/01/2021-4/30/2022 2P51OD011133-18 5/01/2016-4/30/2017 5U42OD010442-21 2/01/2022-1/31/2023 5P51OD011133-24 5/01/2022-4/30/2023 5R21AI150445-02 2/01/2021-1/31/2024 5R01AI138587-05 5/01/2022-4/30/2023 5R01AI136831-04 8/01/2022-7/31/2023 5R01AI138587-04 5/01/2021-4/30/2022 5R01AI134245-05 2/01/2022-4/30/2023 1P30AI168439-01 3/10/2022-2/28/2023 5R01AI123047-05 8/01/2020-7/31/2022 7R01AI134245-05 9/01/2021-4/30/2022 5U34AG068482-03 6/01/2022-5/31/2022 U34AG068482 6/01/2021-5/31/2022 5P01AG051428-05 3/01/2020-2/28/2022 1R56AG073316-01 9/01/2021-8/31/2023 5R01AG065546-03 6/01/2022-5/31/2023 1R01AG065546-02 6/01/2021-5/31/2022 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation) 2 CFR 200.303(a) requires that a non-federal entity must ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non- Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in ?Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government? issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and the ?Internal Control Integrated Framework?, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).? 2 CFR 200.305(b)(1) requires ?The non-Federal entity must be paid in advance, provided it maintains or demonstrates the willingness to maintain both written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the non-Federal entity, and financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as established in this part. Advance payments to a non-Federal entity must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the non-Federal entity in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the non-Federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs. The non-Federal entity must make timely payment to contractors in accordance with the contract provisions.? 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3) requires ?when the reimbursement method is used, the Federal 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.? Condition Texas Biomed did not provide evidence of effectively designed internal controls to ensure subrecipients are paid by Texas Biomed within 30 days of requests for reimbursement received by Texas Biomed. Texas Biomed paid 2 of 23 subrecipients after 30 days of receipt of the request for reimbursement from the subrecipient, resulting in noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3). Cause Texas Biomed?s internal controls around payments to subrecipients were not precisely designed to ensure the issuance of payments to subrecipients occurs within 30 days of requests for reimbursement by the subrecipient. Effect or potential effect Texas Biomed did not comply with the cash management requirements of the Uniform Guidance to pay subrecipients within 30 days of their requests for reimbursement. Questioned costs None. Context For 2 of 23 subrecipient payments, Texas Biomed made payments to subrecipients at 50 and 41 days after receipt of the requests for reimbursement. These payments were not made in accordance with the 30-day requirement (5R01AI123047-05 and 1R56AG073316-01). For 1 additional subrecipient payment, we noted approval by the principal investigator of the subrecipient?s request for reimbursement was made after the payment was made to the subrecipient (5R01AI123047-05). Texas Biomed?s subrecipient expenditures totaled $2.0 million during the period, which represented 5.2% of Texas Biomed?s total research and development expenditures of $38.1 million. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend Texas Biomed design and implement internal controls with the required precision to ensure subrecipients are paid within 30 days of the receipt of requests for reimbursement from the subrecipient and approved by the principal investigator prior to paying the subrecipient. Views of responsible officials Texas Biomed will implement a more effective operating procedure for subrecipient invoice approval and timely payment that will include timeline expectations for the initial approval request to the applicable principal investigator upon receipt of invoices from the subrecipient, timeline for following-up with the principal investigator on approval requests, timeline and direction for seeking proxy approval if the principal investigator is unavailable or unable to provide a timely response, and timeline for entering the subrecipient invoice in Texas Biomed financial systems facilitating payment upon approval. Texas Biomed will implement corrective action on June 1, 2023.
Finding 2022-002 ? Cash Management ? Pass-through Entities Identification of the federal program U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Research and Development Cluster All Assistance Listing Nos. with amounts provided to subrecipients ? 12.420, 93.242, 93.279, 93.351, 93.855, and 93.866 Federal Award Numbers Grant Period 5R01AI123047-05 8/15/2017-7/31/2022 1R56AG073316-01 9/01/2021-8/31/2023 W81XWH1910496 5/01/2020-10/31/2023 1R01MH130193-01 4/05/2022-2/28/2023 7R01MH116844-04 7/01/2020-1/31/2022 R01MH116844-05 2/01/2022-1/31/2024 5R01DA052845-03 7/01/2022-6/30/2023 5R01DA052845-02 7/01/2021-6/30/2022 2P51OD011133-23 5/01/2021-4/30/2022 2P51OD011133-18 5/01/2016-4/30/2017 5U42OD010442-21 2/01/2022-1/31/2023 5P51OD011133-24 5/01/2022-4/30/2023 5R21AI150445-02 2/01/2021-1/31/2024 5R01AI138587-05 5/01/2022-4/30/2023 5R01AI136831-04 8/01/2022-7/31/2023 5R01AI138587-04 5/01/2021-4/30/2022 5R01AI134245-05 2/01/2022-4/30/2023 1P30AI168439-01 3/10/2022-2/28/2023 5R01AI123047-05 8/01/2020-7/31/2022 7R01AI134245-05 9/01/2021-4/30/2022 5U34AG068482-03 6/01/2022-5/31/2022 U34AG068482 6/01/2021-5/31/2022 5P01AG051428-05 3/01/2020-2/28/2022 1R56AG073316-01 9/01/2021-8/31/2023 5R01AG065546-03 6/01/2022-5/31/2023 1R01AG065546-02 6/01/2021-5/31/2022 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation) 2 CFR 200.303(a) requires that a non-federal entity must ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non- Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in ?Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government? issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and the ?Internal Control Integrated Framework?, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).? 2 CFR 200.305(b)(1) requires ?The non-Federal entity must be paid in advance, provided it maintains or demonstrates the willingness to maintain both written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the non-Federal entity, and financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as established in this part. Advance payments to a non-Federal entity must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the non-Federal entity in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the non-Federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs. The non-Federal entity must make timely payment to contractors in accordance with the contract provisions.? 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3) requires ?when the reimbursement method is used, the Federal 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.? Condition Texas Biomed did not provide evidence of effectively designed internal controls to ensure subrecipients are paid by Texas Biomed within 30 days of requests for reimbursement received by Texas Biomed. Texas Biomed paid 2 of 23 subrecipients after 30 days of receipt of the request for reimbursement from the subrecipient, resulting in noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3). Cause Texas Biomed?s internal controls around payments to subrecipients were not precisely designed to ensure the issuance of payments to subrecipients occurs within 30 days of requests for reimbursement by the subrecipient. Effect or potential effect Texas Biomed did not comply with the cash management requirements of the Uniform Guidance to pay subrecipients within 30 days of their requests for reimbursement. Questioned costs None. Context For 2 of 23 subrecipient payments, Texas Biomed made payments to subrecipients at 50 and 41 days after receipt of the requests for reimbursement. These payments were not made in accordance with the 30-day requirement (5R01AI123047-05 and 1R56AG073316-01). For 1 additional subrecipient payment, we noted approval by the principal investigator of the subrecipient?s request for reimbursement was made after the payment was made to the subrecipient (5R01AI123047-05). Texas Biomed?s subrecipient expenditures totaled $2.0 million during the period, which represented 5.2% of Texas Biomed?s total research and development expenditures of $38.1 million. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend Texas Biomed design and implement internal controls with the required precision to ensure subrecipients are paid within 30 days of the receipt of requests for reimbursement from the subrecipient and approved by the principal investigator prior to paying the subrecipient. Views of responsible officials Texas Biomed will implement a more effective operating procedure for subrecipient invoice approval and timely payment that will include timeline expectations for the initial approval request to the applicable principal investigator upon receipt of invoices from the subrecipient, timeline for following-up with the principal investigator on approval requests, timeline and direction for seeking proxy approval if the principal investigator is unavailable or unable to provide a timely response, and timeline for entering the subrecipient invoice in Texas Biomed financial systems facilitating payment upon approval. Texas Biomed will implement corrective action on June 1, 2023.
Finding 2022-002 ? Cash Management ? Pass-through Entities Identification of the federal program U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Research and Development Cluster All Assistance Listing Nos. with amounts provided to subrecipients ? 12.420, 93.242, 93.279, 93.351, 93.855, and 93.866 Federal Award Numbers Grant Period 5R01AI123047-05 8/15/2017-7/31/2022 1R56AG073316-01 9/01/2021-8/31/2023 W81XWH1910496 5/01/2020-10/31/2023 1R01MH130193-01 4/05/2022-2/28/2023 7R01MH116844-04 7/01/2020-1/31/2022 R01MH116844-05 2/01/2022-1/31/2024 5R01DA052845-03 7/01/2022-6/30/2023 5R01DA052845-02 7/01/2021-6/30/2022 2P51OD011133-23 5/01/2021-4/30/2022 2P51OD011133-18 5/01/2016-4/30/2017 5U42OD010442-21 2/01/2022-1/31/2023 5P51OD011133-24 5/01/2022-4/30/2023 5R21AI150445-02 2/01/2021-1/31/2024 5R01AI138587-05 5/01/2022-4/30/2023 5R01AI136831-04 8/01/2022-7/31/2023 5R01AI138587-04 5/01/2021-4/30/2022 5R01AI134245-05 2/01/2022-4/30/2023 1P30AI168439-01 3/10/2022-2/28/2023 5R01AI123047-05 8/01/2020-7/31/2022 7R01AI134245-05 9/01/2021-4/30/2022 5U34AG068482-03 6/01/2022-5/31/2022 U34AG068482 6/01/2021-5/31/2022 5P01AG051428-05 3/01/2020-2/28/2022 1R56AG073316-01 9/01/2021-8/31/2023 5R01AG065546-03 6/01/2022-5/31/2023 1R01AG065546-02 6/01/2021-5/31/2022 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation) 2 CFR 200.303(a) requires that a non-federal entity must ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non- Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in ?Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government? issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and the ?Internal Control Integrated Framework?, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).? 2 CFR 200.305(b)(1) requires ?The non-Federal entity must be paid in advance, provided it maintains or demonstrates the willingness to maintain both written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the non-Federal entity, and financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as established in this part. Advance payments to a non-Federal entity must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the non-Federal entity in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the non-Federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs. The non-Federal entity must make timely payment to contractors in accordance with the contract provisions.? 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3) requires ?when the reimbursement method is used, the Federal 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.? Condition Texas Biomed did not provide evidence of effectively designed internal controls to ensure subrecipients are paid by Texas Biomed within 30 days of requests for reimbursement received by Texas Biomed. Texas Biomed paid 2 of 23 subrecipients after 30 days of receipt of the request for reimbursement from the subrecipient, resulting in noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3). Cause Texas Biomed?s internal controls around payments to subrecipients were not precisely designed to ensure the issuance of payments to subrecipients occurs within 30 days of requests for reimbursement by the subrecipient. Effect or potential effect Texas Biomed did not comply with the cash management requirements of the Uniform Guidance to pay subrecipients within 30 days of their requests for reimbursement. Questioned costs None. Context For 2 of 23 subrecipient payments, Texas Biomed made payments to subrecipients at 50 and 41 days after receipt of the requests for reimbursement. These payments were not made in accordance with the 30-day requirement (5R01AI123047-05 and 1R56AG073316-01). For 1 additional subrecipient payment, we noted approval by the principal investigator of the subrecipient?s request for reimbursement was made after the payment was made to the subrecipient (5R01AI123047-05). Texas Biomed?s subrecipient expenditures totaled $2.0 million during the period, which represented 5.2% of Texas Biomed?s total research and development expenditures of $38.1 million. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend Texas Biomed design and implement internal controls with the required precision to ensure subrecipients are paid within 30 days of the receipt of requests for reimbursement from the subrecipient and approved by the principal investigator prior to paying the subrecipient. Views of responsible officials Texas Biomed will implement a more effective operating procedure for subrecipient invoice approval and timely payment that will include timeline expectations for the initial approval request to the applicable principal investigator upon receipt of invoices from the subrecipient, timeline for following-up with the principal investigator on approval requests, timeline and direction for seeking proxy approval if the principal investigator is unavailable or unable to provide a timely response, and timeline for entering the subrecipient invoice in Texas Biomed financial systems facilitating payment upon approval. Texas Biomed will implement corrective action on June 1, 2023.
Finding 2022-002 ? Cash Management ? Pass-through Entities Identification of the federal program U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Research and Development Cluster All Assistance Listing Nos. with amounts provided to subrecipients ? 12.420, 93.242, 93.279, 93.351, 93.855, and 93.866 Federal Award Numbers Grant Period 5R01AI123047-05 8/15/2017-7/31/2022 1R56AG073316-01 9/01/2021-8/31/2023 W81XWH1910496 5/01/2020-10/31/2023 1R01MH130193-01 4/05/2022-2/28/2023 7R01MH116844-04 7/01/2020-1/31/2022 R01MH116844-05 2/01/2022-1/31/2024 5R01DA052845-03 7/01/2022-6/30/2023 5R01DA052845-02 7/01/2021-6/30/2022 2P51OD011133-23 5/01/2021-4/30/2022 2P51OD011133-18 5/01/2016-4/30/2017 5U42OD010442-21 2/01/2022-1/31/2023 5P51OD011133-24 5/01/2022-4/30/2023 5R21AI150445-02 2/01/2021-1/31/2024 5R01AI138587-05 5/01/2022-4/30/2023 5R01AI136831-04 8/01/2022-7/31/2023 5R01AI138587-04 5/01/2021-4/30/2022 5R01AI134245-05 2/01/2022-4/30/2023 1P30AI168439-01 3/10/2022-2/28/2023 5R01AI123047-05 8/01/2020-7/31/2022 7R01AI134245-05 9/01/2021-4/30/2022 5U34AG068482-03 6/01/2022-5/31/2022 U34AG068482 6/01/2021-5/31/2022 5P01AG051428-05 3/01/2020-2/28/2022 1R56AG073316-01 9/01/2021-8/31/2023 5R01AG065546-03 6/01/2022-5/31/2023 1R01AG065546-02 6/01/2021-5/31/2022 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation) 2 CFR 200.303(a) requires that a non-federal entity must ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non- Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in ?Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government? issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and the ?Internal Control Integrated Framework?, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).? 2 CFR 200.305(b)(1) requires ?The non-Federal entity must be paid in advance, provided it maintains or demonstrates the willingness to maintain both written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the non-Federal entity, and financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as established in this part. Advance payments to a non-Federal entity must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the non-Federal entity in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the non-Federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs. The non-Federal entity must make timely payment to contractors in accordance with the contract provisions.? 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3) requires ?when the reimbursement method is used, the Federal 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.? Condition Texas Biomed did not provide evidence of effectively designed internal controls to ensure subrecipients are paid by Texas Biomed within 30 days of requests for reimbursement received by Texas Biomed. Texas Biomed paid 2 of 23 subrecipients after 30 days of receipt of the request for reimbursement from the subrecipient, resulting in noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3). Cause Texas Biomed?s internal controls around payments to subrecipients were not precisely designed to ensure the issuance of payments to subrecipients occurs within 30 days of requests for reimbursement by the subrecipient. Effect or potential effect Texas Biomed did not comply with the cash management requirements of the Uniform Guidance to pay subrecipients within 30 days of their requests for reimbursement. Questioned costs None. Context For 2 of 23 subrecipient payments, Texas Biomed made payments to subrecipients at 50 and 41 days after receipt of the requests for reimbursement. These payments were not made in accordance with the 30-day requirement (5R01AI123047-05 and 1R56AG073316-01). For 1 additional subrecipient payment, we noted approval by the principal investigator of the subrecipient?s request for reimbursement was made after the payment was made to the subrecipient (5R01AI123047-05). Texas Biomed?s subrecipient expenditures totaled $2.0 million during the period, which represented 5.2% of Texas Biomed?s total research and development expenditures of $38.1 million. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend Texas Biomed design and implement internal controls with the required precision to ensure subrecipients are paid within 30 days of the receipt of requests for reimbursement from the subrecipient and approved by the principal investigator prior to paying the subrecipient. Views of responsible officials Texas Biomed will implement a more effective operating procedure for subrecipient invoice approval and timely payment that will include timeline expectations for the initial approval request to the applicable principal investigator upon receipt of invoices from the subrecipient, timeline for following-up with the principal investigator on approval requests, timeline and direction for seeking proxy approval if the principal investigator is unavailable or unable to provide a timely response, and timeline for entering the subrecipient invoice in Texas Biomed financial systems facilitating payment upon approval. Texas Biomed will implement corrective action on June 1, 2023.
Finding 2022-002 ? Cash Management ? Pass-through Entities Identification of the federal program U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Research and Development Cluster All Assistance Listing Nos. with amounts provided to subrecipients ? 12.420, 93.242, 93.279, 93.351, 93.855, and 93.866 Federal Award Numbers Grant Period 5R01AI123047-05 8/15/2017-7/31/2022 1R56AG073316-01 9/01/2021-8/31/2023 W81XWH1910496 5/01/2020-10/31/2023 1R01MH130193-01 4/05/2022-2/28/2023 7R01MH116844-04 7/01/2020-1/31/2022 R01MH116844-05 2/01/2022-1/31/2024 5R01DA052845-03 7/01/2022-6/30/2023 5R01DA052845-02 7/01/2021-6/30/2022 2P51OD011133-23 5/01/2021-4/30/2022 2P51OD011133-18 5/01/2016-4/30/2017 5U42OD010442-21 2/01/2022-1/31/2023 5P51OD011133-24 5/01/2022-4/30/2023 5R21AI150445-02 2/01/2021-1/31/2024 5R01AI138587-05 5/01/2022-4/30/2023 5R01AI136831-04 8/01/2022-7/31/2023 5R01AI138587-04 5/01/2021-4/30/2022 5R01AI134245-05 2/01/2022-4/30/2023 1P30AI168439-01 3/10/2022-2/28/2023 5R01AI123047-05 8/01/2020-7/31/2022 7R01AI134245-05 9/01/2021-4/30/2022 5U34AG068482-03 6/01/2022-5/31/2022 U34AG068482 6/01/2021-5/31/2022 5P01AG051428-05 3/01/2020-2/28/2022 1R56AG073316-01 9/01/2021-8/31/2023 5R01AG065546-03 6/01/2022-5/31/2023 1R01AG065546-02 6/01/2021-5/31/2022 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation) 2 CFR 200.303(a) requires that a non-federal entity must ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non- Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in ?Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government? issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and the ?Internal Control Integrated Framework?, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).? 2 CFR 200.305(b)(1) requires ?The non-Federal entity must be paid in advance, provided it maintains or demonstrates the willingness to maintain both written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the non-Federal entity, and financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as established in this part. Advance payments to a non-Federal entity must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the non-Federal entity in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the non-Federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs. The non-Federal entity must make timely payment to contractors in accordance with the contract provisions.? 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3) requires ?when the reimbursement method is used, the Federal 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.? Condition Texas Biomed did not provide evidence of effectively designed internal controls to ensure subrecipients are paid by Texas Biomed within 30 days of requests for reimbursement received by Texas Biomed. Texas Biomed paid 2 of 23 subrecipients after 30 days of receipt of the request for reimbursement from the subrecipient, resulting in noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3). Cause Texas Biomed?s internal controls around payments to subrecipients were not precisely designed to ensure the issuance of payments to subrecipients occurs within 30 days of requests for reimbursement by the subrecipient. Effect or potential effect Texas Biomed did not comply with the cash management requirements of the Uniform Guidance to pay subrecipients within 30 days of their requests for reimbursement. Questioned costs None. Context For 2 of 23 subrecipient payments, Texas Biomed made payments to subrecipients at 50 and 41 days after receipt of the requests for reimbursement. These payments were not made in accordance with the 30-day requirement (5R01AI123047-05 and 1R56AG073316-01). For 1 additional subrecipient payment, we noted approval by the principal investigator of the subrecipient?s request for reimbursement was made after the payment was made to the subrecipient (5R01AI123047-05). Texas Biomed?s subrecipient expenditures totaled $2.0 million during the period, which represented 5.2% of Texas Biomed?s total research and development expenditures of $38.1 million. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend Texas Biomed design and implement internal controls with the required precision to ensure subrecipients are paid within 30 days of the receipt of requests for reimbursement from the subrecipient and approved by the principal investigator prior to paying the subrecipient. Views of responsible officials Texas Biomed will implement a more effective operating procedure for subrecipient invoice approval and timely payment that will include timeline expectations for the initial approval request to the applicable principal investigator upon receipt of invoices from the subrecipient, timeline for following-up with the principal investigator on approval requests, timeline and direction for seeking proxy approval if the principal investigator is unavailable or unable to provide a timely response, and timeline for entering the subrecipient invoice in Texas Biomed financial systems facilitating payment upon approval. Texas Biomed will implement corrective action on June 1, 2023.
Finding 2022-002 ? Cash Management ? Pass-through Entities Identification of the federal program U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Research and Development Cluster All Assistance Listing Nos. with amounts provided to subrecipients ? 12.420, 93.242, 93.279, 93.351, 93.855, and 93.866 Federal Award Numbers Grant Period 5R01AI123047-05 8/15/2017-7/31/2022 1R56AG073316-01 9/01/2021-8/31/2023 W81XWH1910496 5/01/2020-10/31/2023 1R01MH130193-01 4/05/2022-2/28/2023 7R01MH116844-04 7/01/2020-1/31/2022 R01MH116844-05 2/01/2022-1/31/2024 5R01DA052845-03 7/01/2022-6/30/2023 5R01DA052845-02 7/01/2021-6/30/2022 2P51OD011133-23 5/01/2021-4/30/2022 2P51OD011133-18 5/01/2016-4/30/2017 5U42OD010442-21 2/01/2022-1/31/2023 5P51OD011133-24 5/01/2022-4/30/2023 5R21AI150445-02 2/01/2021-1/31/2024 5R01AI138587-05 5/01/2022-4/30/2023 5R01AI136831-04 8/01/2022-7/31/2023 5R01AI138587-04 5/01/2021-4/30/2022 5R01AI134245-05 2/01/2022-4/30/2023 1P30AI168439-01 3/10/2022-2/28/2023 5R01AI123047-05 8/01/2020-7/31/2022 7R01AI134245-05 9/01/2021-4/30/2022 5U34AG068482-03 6/01/2022-5/31/2022 U34AG068482 6/01/2021-5/31/2022 5P01AG051428-05 3/01/2020-2/28/2022 1R56AG073316-01 9/01/2021-8/31/2023 5R01AG065546-03 6/01/2022-5/31/2023 1R01AG065546-02 6/01/2021-5/31/2022 Criteria or specific requirement (including statutory, regulatory, or other citation) 2 CFR 200.303(a) requires that a non-federal entity must ?(a) establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non- Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in ?Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government? issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and the ?Internal Control Integrated Framework?, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).? 2 CFR 200.305(b)(1) requires ?The non-Federal entity must be paid in advance, provided it maintains or demonstrates the willingness to maintain both written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the non-Federal entity, and financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as established in this part. Advance payments to a non-Federal entity must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the non-Federal entity in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the non-Federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs. The non-Federal entity must make timely payment to contractors in accordance with the contract provisions.? 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3) requires ?when the reimbursement method is used, the Federal 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.? Condition Texas Biomed did not provide evidence of effectively designed internal controls to ensure subrecipients are paid by Texas Biomed within 30 days of requests for reimbursement received by Texas Biomed. Texas Biomed paid 2 of 23 subrecipients after 30 days of receipt of the request for reimbursement from the subrecipient, resulting in noncompliance with 2 CFR 200.305(b)(3). Cause Texas Biomed?s internal controls around payments to subrecipients were not precisely designed to ensure the issuance of payments to subrecipients occurs within 30 days of requests for reimbursement by the subrecipient. Effect or potential effect Texas Biomed did not comply with the cash management requirements of the Uniform Guidance to pay subrecipients within 30 days of their requests for reimbursement. Questioned costs None. Context For 2 of 23 subrecipient payments, Texas Biomed made payments to subrecipients at 50 and 41 days after receipt of the requests for reimbursement. These payments were not made in accordance with the 30-day requirement (5R01AI123047-05 and 1R56AG073316-01). For 1 additional subrecipient payment, we noted approval by the principal investigator of the subrecipient?s request for reimbursement was made after the payment was made to the subrecipient (5R01AI123047-05). Texas Biomed?s subrecipient expenditures totaled $2.0 million during the period, which represented 5.2% of Texas Biomed?s total research and development expenditures of $38.1 million. Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation We recommend Texas Biomed design and implement internal controls with the required precision to ensure subrecipients are paid within 30 days of the receipt of requests for reimbursement from the subrecipient and approved by the principal investigator prior to paying the subrecipient. Views of responsible officials Texas Biomed will implement a more effective operating procedure for subrecipient invoice approval and timely payment that will include timeline expectations for the initial approval request to the applicable principal investigator upon receipt of invoices from the subrecipient, timeline for following-up with the principal investigator on approval requests, timeline and direction for seeking proxy approval if the principal investigator is unavailable or unable to provide a timely response, and timeline for entering the subrecipient invoice in Texas Biomed financial systems facilitating payment upon approval. Texas Biomed will implement corrective action on June 1, 2023.
Federal Program: U.S. Department of Commerce, Regional Fishery Management Councils CFDA 11.441 Criteria: WPRFMC should minimize the time between the drawdown of Federal funds from the Federal government and their disbursement for Federal program purposes pursuant to 2 CFR 200.305(b). The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements for direct program or project costs. In accordance with the Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions dated November 2020, B.02(b)(1), advance payment requests should be timed such that Federal funds are on hand for a maximum of thirty calendar days before being disbursed. Condition: During our audit, we noted draw downs from the Sustainable Fisheries Fund XII award were on hand in excess of thirty days during the periods April through July 2022 and October through December 2022. Funds from the Sustainable Fisheries Fund XIII award were on hand in excess of thirty days from September through December 2022. The excess funds on hand for these awards ranged from approximately $4,000 to $16,000. Cause: Internal controls over cash management were inadequate to ensure Federal draws did not exceed related expenditures. The untimely reconciliation of award expenditures could have resulted in improper drawdowns of Federal funds. Effect or Potential Effect: Inadequate controls over cash management increases the risk of noncompliance with Federal cash management requirements and with other Federal statutes and regulations related to financial management. Recommendation: We recommend WPRFMC enhance internal controls over cash management to minimize the time elapsing between the drawdown of Federal funds and the related disbursement.
2022-002: U.S. Department of Environment Protection ? Assistance Listing # 66.468 Capitalization Grants for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Cluster) Lack of Required Written Policies & Procedures ? Compliance Condition & Criteria: The Authority does not currently have all the written policies and procedures in place as required by the Uniform Guidance as it relates to financial management and determining allowability of costs for the federal program (Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200.302 & 200.305). In addition CFR sections 200.318, 200.319, and 200.320 require there to be written policies and procedures regarding procurement and conflicts of interest. Effect: Although not likely, the oversight agency could disallow all costs associated with this program. Cause: This is the Authority?s first time subject to the requirements of the Uniform Guidance as they have not had any significant federal grant funding in a number of years. The Authority does have a set of informal policies and procedures that are followed as it relates to financial management, allowability of costs, procurement, and conflicts of interest, and have been very careful to carry out all federal program activities in accordance with established regulations; however the Authority was simply not aware of the requirement that these polices and procedures be documented in writing. Recommendation: We recommend that the Authority work towards getting those policies and procedures documented in writing so that they are in compliance with the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: The Authority understand the potential effects of the condition described above and will work towards getting the necessary policies and procedures in place as they relate to federal programs documented in writing.
Finding 2022-001: Noncompliance with Procurement Policy Requirements Programs - CFDA 21.023 Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and CFDA 93.391 Activities to Support State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial (STLT) Health Department Response to Public Health or Healthcare Crisis Criteria: As required by 2 CFR 200, Subparts D and E (2 CFR sections 200.300 and 200.400, respectively), entities are required to maintain written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct (?policies?) for certain areas of its operation. The following sections of the Uniform Guidance require nonfederal entities that receive federal awards to establish written policies, procedures, or standards of conduct: ? Financial management (200.302) ? Federal payment (200.305) ? General procurement standards (200.318) ? Competition (200.319) ? Methods of procurement to be followed (200.320) ? Compensation?fringe benefits (200.431) ? Relocation costs of employees (200.464) ? Travel costs (200.475) Condition: Review of the Organization?s Financial Procedure manual noted it was updated August 2023, with the previous update being done in February 2014 ? prior to the year under audit. The 2014 update did not contain all of the required elements under 2 CFR 200, Subparts D and E (2 CFR sections 200.300 and 200.400). Cause: The Financial Procedures have not been updated recently to incorporate the current Federal regulation requirements. Effect: The Organization is not compliant with Federal regulations requiring written policies and procedures. Recommendation: We recommend that the Organization approve and incorporate the policy updates incorporated within the August 2023 updated policies and procedures to ensure compliance with required regulations. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with this recommendation and will review and update its current Financial Procedures to ensure compliance.